Sigmundstor, Road tunnel in Altstadt, Austria
The Sigmundstor is a road tunnel stretching 131 meters through the Mönchsberg mountain, connecting Salzburg's old town with the Riedenburg district. The passage rises at an 8 percent incline and accommodates both vehicular traffic and a separate corridor for pedestrians and cyclists added in 1968.
Engineer Elias von Geyer completed construction of this tunnel between 1764 and 1767 under Prince Archbishop Siegmund Schrattenbach's direction. This 18th-century engineering project significantly improved traffic flow through the city by creating a direct route through the mountain.
The eastern entrance displays a Latin inscription 'Te saxa loquuntur' above a relief portrait of Prince Archbishop Schrattenbach, while the western side features Saint Sigismund. These decorations reflect the religious and political authority of the era.
The tunnel is easy to navigate on foot, with designated paths keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe from vehicle traffic. The light reaching through the structure due to its angular design helps with orientation during daytime visits.
Decorative obelisks line the walls of the passage, giving it a classical touch that was intentional in its 18th-century design. These ornamental features remain visible today and add an unexpected refinement to what is otherwise a practical traffic route.
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