"Town Activity" a Salzburg Travel Page by BruceDunning

The city was called Rome of the north. Salz means salt in the language. It was free from attacks and battles for 1000 years and stayed neutral most of the time. The newer section was destroyed in WWII. but the old p[art of town remained intact. Every year there are over 1 million visitors to the city.
There are courtyards that are mostly hidden from the street, and then if you happen upon one, venture in-for public ones only. They have small shops and eating places, not advertised heavily from the main street. If you are a local, you just know where to go. The town is full of baroque architecture. Salzburg means "salt castle" and they used to charge boats traveling the Salzach river that carried a lot of salt. A landmark turning point for residents was in 1731 all Protestants were made to move out; 21,000 of them.

The castle is the largest preserved in Europe and is form 1077. Archbishop Gerhart was the first to occupy. and has been a prison and military barracks besides a protection fortress. It is across the river and a whole mini town is inside for viewing.