Dom

Of the various churches in Salzburg, the most impressive by far is the Dom or Cathedral, which sits in the heart of the pedestrian district. Construction was completed in 1628. Three of its sides face plazas: Residenzplatz to the north, Kapitelplatz to the south and Domplatz to the west, facing its front (photo). Four large statues made of light-colored marble stand at the cathedral entrance (photo). Beautiful chandeliers, richly painted frescos and stucco ornament adorn the interior of the Dom. According to my travel guide, it was built to accommodate a congregation of more than 10,000.

If the Dom was meant to awe those who lay eyes upon it, then it succeeded. In its scale and detail, I was amazed. It wouldn't be until we stepped foot in Stephansdom in Vienna that I would experience someplace manmade that felt so holy.