The History of 'Hotel am Dom'

The hotel’s history stretches all the way back to the early Middle Ages. Our boutique hotel is located in the Goldgasse lane, at the very heart of Salzburg's historic Old Town.

The route the Goldgasse follows dates back two thousand years, to the Roman Empire. Back then, the city of Salzburg was still known as Iuvavum. Over the centuries, the lane has also been named “Sporer”, “Milch” (milk) or “Schlossergässchen” (locksmith) lane. A “Sporer” was a metalsmith who made equestrian fittings, such as spurs. The city burned down more than a dozen times during the Middle Ages. However, the route of today’s Goldgasse didn’t change much during the buildings’ various periods of reconstruction. The street begins at the Alten Markt (Old Market) and curves around to the Residenzplatz and the Salzburg Cathedral. Although this lane was also home to craftsmen such as wire-pullers, metalsmiths, bell founders and glaziers, the street received its current name “Goldgasse” because of the gold and silversmiths who once lived here.

History buffs can delight in the many historical details. For example, the lane is lined with shops with large, green wooden doors, which were usually constructed to fold multiple times to save space. They were typically installed to protect the tradesmen’s vaulted workshops. To enter most of the houses and shops, you pass through ancient stone arches constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries using Salzburg conglomerate rock – that was the most popular building material in and around Salzburg back then, especially because it was abundantly available.

Alongside international chains, Goldgasse’s medieval ambience features traditional shops housed in charming vaulted chambers, where antiques, traditional Austrian clothing and hats, silk flowers, books, antique clocks and coins, pewter, furs, paintings, fine wines and cooking oils, exclusive leather goods, art supplies, elegant eyewear and ceramics are sold.

The historic building, dating back to the 14th century, was re-opened in June 2009, following extensive renovations.