Salzburg Photos: Altes Rathaus (City Hall) & Altstadt
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The tower of the Altes Rathaus or Old City Hall
is decorated with the
flag and coat of arms of the city of Salzburg. However, the current municipial
government is actually housed in the Mirabell Palace. The old City Hall is still
used by the city's administration. Compared to other cities with a longstanding
history and centuries of wealth, the city hall of Salzburg is very humble. This
is because of the strict and absolutist reign the Prince Archbishops of Salzburg
had over their posessions ever since they re-consolidated their power in the
late 16th century. The burghers of Salzburg were somewhat insignificant, their
representatives had little more than ceremonial roles. Today, the Altes Rathaus
is a tourist attraction. Its tower contains one of the oldest clockworks in
Central Europe, and the Getreidegasse, which originates at its base, is one of
Salzburg's most important tourist attractions.
photo (c) visit-salzburg.net
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