Zwergelgarten, Baroque garden in Salzburg, Austria
The Zwergelgarten is a collection of 17 marble dwarf sculptures placed on pedestals within the Mirabell Garden complex in Salzburg. These figures are carved from Untersberg marble and occupy a dedicated section of the garden that was carefully restored to its original configuration.
The garden section was created after 1690 under the direction of architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach for the prince-bishop of Salzburg. Over time the collection diminished, with many sculptures sold at auction during the early 19th century.
The dwarf sculptures reflect how garden owners of the baroque period used humor and fantastical figures to entertain visitors and display their artistic taste. Today you can observe how these carved characters became an important part of the garden's purpose as a space for amusement and artistic appreciation.
The dwarf sculptures are located within the larger Mirabell Garden and are accessible during garden hours. Plan your visit during warmer months when the entire garden is fully maintained and easier to explore.
The sculptures were carved from local Untersberg marble and depict people in various occupations and roles, such as a gardener with a distinctive physical feature and figures engaged in games. This variety shows how the baroque court collected figures that reflected the diversity of human life.
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