Felsenreitschule, Historic theatre in Altstadt, Austria
The Felsenreitschule is a theater carved into the Mönchsberg mountain in Salzburg with seating for around 1,400 spectators. The arena features stone seating areas built directly into the rock face, along with an orchestra pit and a retractable roof for protection from the weather.
This facility was founded in the late 1600s as a riding arena for horses and served that purpose for many years. In the 1920s it began to be used for theater, especially during the Salzburg Festival, which completely transformed its purpose.
The space draws visitors who seek to experience classical music and theater in an unusual mountain setting. Today, audiences gather here to watch performances surrounded by the carved rock walls, creating a distinctive connection between the performers and the mountainside.
Take time to explore the stone rows and different levels to get a full sense of how the space is organized. The site sits on a mountainside with steps and uneven surfaces, so sturdy footwear is recommended when visiting.
This site was originally carved from a stone quarry, meaning its current form is the result of centuries of rock extraction. That ancient use as a mining pit ultimately made it perfect for creating a natural amphitheater.
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