Welcome to Hellbrunn
Your virtual tour through the palace & trick fountainsWelcome to Hellbrunn
Shorten your time until your next visit to Hellbrunn and join us on a journey through the enchanting world of Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus! Just scroll on to start the tour.
For an optimum experience, please use a laptop or desktop PC or turn the display of your mobile phone into landscape mode.
For an optimum experience, please use a laptop or desktop PC or turn the display of your mobile phone into landscape mode.
Welcome to the trick fountains
Welcome to the trick fountainsWhat shall we show you?
A warm welcome to the trick fountains, a mannerist amusement park that is still operated today with nothing but the power of water, just as it was 400 years ago. To start your tour, please click on a point you would like to visit or scroll down and let yourself be guided from station to station.
If you would like to return to the start page, please click here.
If you would like to return to the start page, please click here.
A marvel of technology
Unique encounters with the 17th centuryA marvel of technology
Before you start your tour, you will find out here what makes the trick fountains so special and why they are still today considered a technical masterpiece.
The Royal Table
Station 1: The Roman TheatreThe Royal Table
We begin our virtual walk in the Roman Theatre with its magnificent Royal Table. This is a long marble table. In the middle there is a water channel, which served to cool the drinks of the lord of the palace and his guests. The stone stools invited one to take a seat and linger even in the time of the Prince Archbishop. Or maybe not!
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Station 1: The Roman TheatreThe Royal Table
At the Royal Table, the poor guests were at the mercy of their host Markus Sittikus. Here, he could have water jets shoot out from all the stools. But even if the seat of one’s trousers suddenly got wet, one could only get up as a guest at the behest of the Prince Archbishop. Only one stool always remained dry. Surely you can imagine whose it was. Correct - that of the Archbishop!
Please click on the play button to enter 360° mode.
Afterwards, please scroll further down to get to the next station, or return to the overview.
Please click on the play button to enter 360° mode.
Afterwards, please scroll further down to get to the next station, or return to the overview.
The Orpheus Grotto
Station 2The Orpheus Grotto
Just a few steps from the Roman Theatre is the Orpheus Grotto, a small cavelike building. In this underworld lies the poor, deceased Eurydice who listens to her lover's violin playing. On the next page you will learn more about the individual design elements of the grotto. Simply hover your mouse over the marked points.
The ibex
Together with the lion, the ibex is the heraldic animal of Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus.
Eurydice's medallion
Eurydice wears a medallion, which probably shows the face of Markus Sittikus. It was therefore often claimed that the figure was modelled on his lover. From today's point of view, however, this seems unlikely.
Ceiling decoration
Particularly fascinating is the lining of this artificial grotto with tube sinters and stalactites. It's like you're actually in the underworld.
Architect unknown
The creator of this group of figures is unknown and is referred to by art historians as the “Orpheusmaster”.
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Discover the Orpheus Grotto
Please swipe left and right to discover the grotto in detail.
The ibex
Together with the lion, the ibex is the heraldic animal of Prince Archbishop Markus Sittikus.
Eurydice's medallion
Eurydice wears a medallion, which probably shows the face of Markus Sittikus. It was therefore often claimed that the figure was modelled on his lover. From today's point of view, however, this seems unlikely.
Ceiling decoration
Particularly fascinating is the lining of this artificial grotto with tube sinters and stalactites. It's like you're actually in the underworld.
Architect unknown
The creator of this group of figures is unknown and is referred to by art historians as the “Orpheusmaster”.
The Big Grottos
Station 3The Big Grottos
After our stay in the Orpheus Grotto we now reach the big grottos, which are located in the palace basement. They are not only fascinating in terms of cultural history, but also surprise visitors with hundreds of hidden water jets and splash fountains. Do you dare to approach?
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Station 3: The big grottosThe Neptune Grotto
The Rain Grotto of Neptune is the largest grotto in Hellbrunn. Its highlight is undoubtedly the white marble statue of the sea god Neptune. Walls and ceilings are completely covered with marble, tuff stone and shell mosaics, and many hidden water tubes allow an artificial rain to pour on the guests. But of course, only when the Prince Archbishop wants.
Please klick 'Start 360° Panorama' to explore the grotto.
Please klick 'Start 360° Panorama' to explore the grotto.
Station 3: The big grottosThe Hellbrunn Germaul
Below Neptune is the hydraulically operated Germaul (grimacing face). It rolls its eyes, cheekily sticks its tongue out towards the viewer and from time to time lets the water-filled lower jaw tilt forward. According to rumours, the Germaul mask was intended as Markus Sittikus’ response to his enemies and enviers, to whom he stuck his tongue out in this way.
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Station 3: The big grottosThe Mirror Grotto
Right next to the Neptune Grotto is the Mirror Grotto. It is covered all over with convex and concave mirrors embedded in stucco, in which one can look at oneself as if in a mirrored cabinet. Curiosity and reflection - here too, it becomes clear what effect Markus Sittikus wanted to achieve with his guests.
Please klick 'Start 360° Panorama' to explore the grotto.
Please klick 'Start 360° Panorama' to explore the grotto.
Station 3: The big grottosThe Birdsong Grotto
From the Mirror Grotto one enters the Birdsong Grotto, where different bird voices are imitated with the help of a hydraulic mechanism. Listen carefully - isn't it fascinating that only the power of water is used here? In the video you can take a look behind the scenes.
Video: Sulzer
Station 3: The big grottosThe Shell Grotto
To the left of the Neptune’s Rain Grotto is the Shell Grotto, which unfolds its effect through the rich coloured stuccoes, ornaments and paintings.
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Station 3: The big grottosThe Ruins Grotto
Behind the Shell Grotto we enter the Ruins Grotto, where complete destruction is feigned. According to the mannerist taste of the times, this should deprive visitors of orientation and balance. Arched curves bend away, cracks and holes open, lower layers of walls and beams appear, the door lintel crumbles and everything threatens to collapse. In short - a mannerist symbol of transience and decay.
Please klick 'Start 360° Panorama' to explore the grotto. Then we say goodbye to the big grottos and continue on our journey outdoors. Please scroll down or click here to get back to the overview.
Please klick 'Start 360° Panorama' to explore the grotto. Then we say goodbye to the big grottos and continue on our journey outdoors. Please scroll down or click here to get back to the overview.
The star pond
Station 4The Star Pond
In front of the entrance of the great grottos you can admire the Star Pond, and behind it the Altemps Fountain and the Fountain Grotto.
Station 4The Star Pond
The Altemps Fountain is the most important spring system for the trick fountains and it flows in stages over three basins. It is named after Cardinal Marco Sittico d'Altemps, the uncle of the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg in Rome.
Amazed enough? Then, on to the next station. We visit the small grottos with their mechanical marvels. Or you can return to the overview.
Amazed enough? Then, on to the next station. We visit the small grottos with their mechanical marvels. Or you can return to the overview.
The Small Mechanical Theatres
Station 5The Small Mechanical Theatres
If you leave the Star Fountain and walk along Prince’s Way, you will pass five small grottos which are hydraulically driven. These fascinating Renaissance water automatons are unique worldwide, have survived almost 400 years in Hellbrunn and give us an authentic picture of the past, showing the following scenes:
If you have seen enough, we will now head on to the Venus Fountain or you can go back to the overview.
- a knife-grinder at work
- Apollo who flays the satyr Marsyas
- Perseus fighting the sea monster to free Andromeda
- a miller at work
- a potter’s workshop
If you have seen enough, we will now head on to the Venus Fountain or you can go back to the overview.
The Venus Grotto
Station 6The Venus Grotto
Opposite the Small Mechanical Theatres, Venus stands in a grotto and watches over her fountain. If you look carefully, you will see a real bouquet of flowers at her feet. It is covered by a dolphin statue with a water curtain and thus stays fresh for many days.
Station 6The Venus Grotto
In front of Venus the goddess of love, her son Amor made himself comfortable in the fountain. Blindfolded, he shoots his arrows of love and you never know who he'll hit next. Maybe it's you?
Station 6The Venus Grotto
Also at home in the Venus Grotto are these two small turtles, which are connected by a jet of water. But it is not clear to see with the naked eye which of the two animals spews the water and which swallows the jet.
After the Venus Grotto we move on to the Mechanical Theatre. You can also return to the overview.
After the Venus Grotto we move on to the Mechanical Theatre. You can also return to the overview.
The Mechanical Theatre
Station 7The Mechanical Theatre
This water-powered masterpiece was built by the Hallein miner Lorenz Rosenegger in the years 1749-1752. It is a delightful depiction of the life and bustle of a small baroque town with all its professions and market stalls. Citizens go for a walk, musicians play music, butchers slaughter a calf, a house is roofed, and many other craftsmen are also at work. A total of 163 figures made of lime wood are in the theatre, most of which move. The whole figurine apparatus is driven by a single water wheel. Fascinating, don't you think?
Station 7The Mechanical Theatre
As an acoustic complement to the delightful spectacle, a hydraulic organ work was added in 1753. It played a chorale written by Chapel Master Johann Ernst Eberlin, the predecessor of Leopold Mozart. Today, the organ, which is equipped with 200 wooden and metal pipes, plays a craftsman's song from the opera “Le maçon” by Daniel Auber from 1825. On the reel there is also the duet “Là ci darem la mano” from Mozart's Don Giovanni.
Continue your journey by scrolling or return to the overview.
Continue your journey by scrolling or return to the overview.
The Crown Grotto
Station 8The Crown Grotto
Over a small bridge we enter the Crown Grotto, which was completed only after the death of Markus Sittikus by his successor. Its centre is a small rock with snakes and frogs, on which an adjustable jet of water lifts a metal crown.
Station 8The Crown Grotto
At the back of the grotto there is a corridor whose walls are artistically designed. A group of figures made from Untersberg marble shows Apollo threatening the satyr Marsyas with a knife. Marsyas had arrogantly claimed to play the flute and lyre more beautifully than the God himself, and is now being cruelly punished by him. After Marsyas loses the competition, the God skins him alive.
And now?
And now?
You have reached the last stop on our tour through the trick fountains. Now you are spoilt for choice, either you can return to the entrance of the trick fountains or you can visit the palace exhibition “GrandDelight - the unexpected world of Markus Sittikus”.
Welcome to Hellbrunn Palace
What may we show you?A warm welcome to Hellbrunn Palace
Take a virtual journey through the exhibition “GrandDelight - the unexpected world of Markus Sittikus”. To get started, please click on one of the rooms or just scroll on to let us guide you through the palace.
If you would like to return to the start page, please click here.
If you would like to return to the start page, please click here.
Prince for Church and Country
Politician, man and clergymanPrince for Church and Country
Who was Markus Sittikus? This question is at the heart of the first exhibition room. A portrait of the ruler painted by Donato Arsenio Mascagni is therefore the main focus right at the beginning. It shows the Prince Archbishop with the two great buildings of his reign - Salzburg Cathedral and Hellbrunn Palace. The golden ibex symbolises one of the two heraldic animals of this ruler and appears together with a lion in many places throughout the palace. But who was Markus Sittikus, as a politician, a man and a clergyman?
The Villa Outside the City
The Villa Outside the City
In the next exhibition room you will learn more about the special location of Hellbrunn. On the following page you can see a map dating from 1630 and discover the most important sights from then and now.
Trick Fountains
Pheasantry
Hellbrunn stream with horsepond
Palace Chapel
Hellbrunn Palace
Orangery
20th century
English landscape garden
18th century
Brook Trout Snuggery
Pleasure House
Garden with water parterre
Monatsschlössl Chateau
Salzburg ZOO
Water wonderland
21th century
Sound of Music gazebo
20th century
Hellbrunn alley
Playground
20th century
Stone theatre
Watzmann view
19th century
Sacral park
Enclosure wall
Enclosure wall
Belvedere Chateau
View of the city from above
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Trick Fountains
Pheasantry
Hellbrunn stream with horsepond
Palace Chapel
Hellbrunn Palace
Orangery
20th century
English landscape garden
18th century
Brook Trout Snuggery
Pleasure House
Garden with water parterre
Monatsschlössl Chateau
Salzburg ZOO
Water wonderland
21th century
Sound of Music gazebo
20th century
Hellbrunn alley
Playground
20th century
Stone theatre
Watzmann view
19th century
Sacral park
Enclosure wall
Enclosure wall
Belvedere Chateau
View of the city from above
Melancholy and Death
“As soon as I get to the roof, I have to return to the foundation”Melancholy and Death
We now enter a darkened area dealing with the circumstances surrounding the death of the Prince Archbishop. Withering apples, a cast of the tomb epitaph and an ageing ruler remind one of the consciousness of transience. In the audio guide you will learn more about the funerals and the legacy of this ruler.
Princely Nature
The dining roomPrincely Nature
In the 17th century, nature was discovered as a source of fascination. Scientific research and fabulous fantasies went hand in hand. This is clearly visible from the collection of paintings in the former dining room. On the next page you can get an overview of the different motifs.
Sunflower, 1618
Sittikus' chronicler, Johannes Steinhauser, mentions “extremely large sunflowers” that “have grown in the newly built princely pleasure garden of Hellbrunn, Anno 1618” – something quite exotic in Europe at that time.
Hausen, 17th century
According to the text, the Hausen (beluga sturgeon) weighing 238 pounds (133 kg) was caught in the Salzach river in the city of Tittmoning in 1617.
White Reindeer, 17th century
Probably as a gift for well-run negotiations, Prince Archbishop Guidobald Graf von Thun and Hohenstein received this reindeer from the Swedish King Karl XI.
Swan, 1636
Originally on the nobility's menu, swans were pushed off the princely table with the appearance of turkey after the discovery of America.
Orientally-clad man with eight-legged horse, 17th century
According to the image inscription, the horse with the innate polydactyly was presented in 1673 in the Salzburg Residence.
Unicorn, 21st century
People were already fascinated by unicorns in the days of Markus Sittikus. They can be found in many places throughout the palace and the unicorn served as the heraldic animal of the Prince Archbishop Guidobald Graf von Thun, who redesigned Hellbrunn in many places during his reign.
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Discover the Gallery
Please swipe left and right to discover the paintings in detail.
Sunflower, 1618
Sittikus' chronicler, Johannes Steinhauser, mentions “extremely large sunflowers” that “have grown in the newly built princely pleasure garden of Hellbrunn, Anno 1618” – something quite exotic in Europe at that time.
Hausen, 17th century
According to the text, the Hausen (beluga sturgeon) weighing 238 pounds (133 kg) was caught in the Salzach river in the city of Tittmoning in 1617.
White Reindeer, 17th century
Probably as a gift for well-run negotiations, Prince Archbishop Guidobald Graf von Thun and Hohenstein received this reindeer from the Swedish King Karl XI.
Swan, 1636
Originally on the nobility's menu, swans were pushed off the princely table with the appearance of turkey after the discovery of America.
Orientally-clad man with eight-legged horse, 17th century
According to the image inscription, the horse with the innate polydactyly was presented in 1673 in the Salzburg Residence.
Unicorn, 21st century
People were already fascinated by unicorns in the days of Markus Sittikus. They can be found in many places throughout the palace and the unicorn served as the heraldic animal of the Prince Archbishop Guidobald Graf von Thun, who redesigned Hellbrunn in many places during his reign.
Representation in Hellbrunn
The ceremonial hallRepresentation in Hellbrunn
The ceremonial hall is the heart of the palace and stands out with its rich paintwork. For Markus Sittikus, Hellbrunn served as a retreat, but also for the reception of guests. The palace therefore had to satisfy certain courtly representations. The ceremonial hall was designed in 1616 by court painter Donato Arsenio Mascagni and structured with the help of stage-like illusionist architecture. You can discover many details of the wall painting on the following page.
View of the Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
Virtues: divine justice and goodness
The divine justice holds the sword, the scale and the dove. Next to her is goodness with a pelican and its young, the symbol of sacrifice.
Virtues: strength and unknown identity
The figure with the helmet stands for strength, the identity of the virtue with the staff is not handed down.
Virtues: wisdom and humility/knowledge
Wisdom not only carries weapons, but also holds a mirror for itself. Next to it is the virtue of humility.
Virtues: moderation and reason of state
Moderation holds palm and bridle, the reason of state is equipped with helmet, sword, armour and general staff.
Personification of the virtue of love and Vita Breve
Vita Breve is the brevity of life with pansies in its hands.
Virtues: faith and hope
View of St. Mark's Cathedral (Venice)
Coat of arms and motto ribbon
Above the door are a golden ibex, the heraldic animal of Markus Sittikus and a black lion, the heraldic animal of Salzburg, depicted in an intimate embrace. The motto ribbon above it bears the motto of the Prince Archbishop - NUMEN VEL DISSA IUNGIT: A divine power connects even the opposite.
Roman emperors
Roman emperors
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Discover the Ceremonial Hall
Please swipe left and right to discover the ceremonial hall in detail.
View of the Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
Virtues: divine justice and goodness
The divine justice holds the sword, the scale and the dove. Next to her is goodness with a pelican and its young, the symbol of sacrifice.
Virtues: strength and unknown identity
The figure with the helmet stands for strength, the identity of the virtue with the staff is not handed down.
Virtues: wisdom and humility/knowledge
Wisdom not only carries weapons, but also holds a mirror for itself. Next to it is the virtue of humility.
Virtues: moderation and reason of state
Moderation holds palm and bridle, the reason of state is equipped with helmet, sword, armour and general staff.
Personification of the virtue of love and Vita Breve
Vita Breve is the brevity of life with pansies in its hands.
Virtues: faith and hope
View of St. Mark's Cathedral (Venice)
Coat of arms and motto ribbon
Above the door are a golden ibex, the heraldic animal of Markus Sittikus and a black lion, the heraldic animal of Salzburg, depicted in an intimate embrace. The motto ribbon above it bears the motto of the Prince Archbishop - NUMEN VEL DISSA IUNGIT: A divine power connects even the opposite.
Roman emperors
Roman emperors
Sittikus and Music
The OctagonSittikus and Music
In the Octagon next to the ceremonial hall, musical motifs can be seen in addition to illusionist architecture. The oversized motto ribbon in the middle of the room refers to the opera L'Orfeo by Monteverdi, whose performance in Salzburg in 1614 is regarded as the first opera performance north of the Alps. In the audio guide you will learn more about the acoustics of this extraordinary room.
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360° ViewDiscover the Octagon
Please klick the play button to start your 360° view of the Octagon.
The Salzburg Carnival
Crazy hustle and bustle with a strict scheduleThe Salzburg Carnival
The Prince Archbishop set an exact programme for the pompous carnival parades. In the exhibition, a film shows what the hustle and bustle might have looked like.
Crazy hustle and bustle with a strict scheduleThe Salzburg Carnival
In this animated film, the Salzburg Carnival Drive is shown. The source text recited in the film comes from Johannes Steinhauser, the Prince Archbishop’s secretary.
Video: ProMedia
Networking with the world
The Chinese RoomNetworking with the World
The Chinese Room owes its name to the 18th century Chinese wallpaper. In the middle of the room stands a reconstructed globe. It is intended to show which parts of the world were already known at Markus Sittikus' time and how far globalisation had already advanced at that time. If you look out of the room, a fantastic panorama opens up over the palace park, which reaches up to the Monatschlössl Chateau.
And now?
You have now arrived at the end of your tour of the palace. You can now visit the trick fountains directly or return to the virtual tour start page.
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Welcome to Hellbrunn
Where may we take you first?
What shall we show you?
A marvel of technology
The Royal Table
The Royal Table
The Orpheus Grotto
The Big Grottos
The Neptune Grotto
The Hellbrunn Germaul
The Mirror Grotto
The Birdsong Grotto
The Shell Grotto
The Ruins Grotto
The Star Pond
The Star Pond
The Small Mechanical Theatres
The Venus Grotto
The Venus Grotto
The Venus Grotto
The Mechanical Theatre
The Mechanical Theatre
The Crown Grotto
The Crown Grotto
And now?
A warm welcome to Hellbrunn Palace
Prince for Church and Country
The Villa Outside the City
The Villa Outside the City
Melancholy and Death
Princely Nature
Representation in Hellbrunn
Representation in Hellbrunn
Sittikus and Music
Discover the Octagon
The Salzburg Carnival
Networking with the World