Gästehaus Im Priesterseminar

As I walked from my taxi to the entrance and opened the enormous, heavily carved doors of Gästehaus im Priesterseminar, the spiritual warmth inside gave an immediate feeling of both peace and renewal. After checking in and unpacking a bit, I began exploration of the place.   

Built between 1693 and 1699, this stately building complex consists of the Holy Trinity Church, the priest’s house, seminary, and guesthouse. It contains the library of the diocese, the Rupertus Bookshop and the restaurant Johannskeller. (You can read more about Gästehaus in travel books and guides. Although listed along with the rest, this still seems to be a well-kept secret). Here’s the link to their website:

https://www.gaestehaus-priesterseminar-salzburg.at

The central courtyard is grand. I met the gardener who was picking off spent flowers as we chatted. Max, a fluffy black cat came running, greeted me profusely, talked non-stop, then disappeared.

Just in recent years the priest’s house has been renovated and each room has been furnished modestly. My room is on the 2nd floor, overlooking a quaint outdoor cafe down a quiet lane. It’s a spacious, well-equipped room with parquet floors, comfy bed, modern bathroom – everything you’d want.  

The stone walls are so thick that the rooms remain cool and comfortable this time of year. There is no a/c but the breeze from the expansive windows and fan make it all good.

I met an elderly gentleman, Gerald, who is a foreign language interpreter in Washington, DC. (See him in the photo below, standing in the breezeway).  He comes twice a year, May and September/October, saying these are the best months to visit. Summer can be sweltering.

For breakfast this morning I had thick, buttered toast with marmalade made by the chef. Hot milk is provided for coffee and there’s a wide assortment of interesting teas. Eggs, cereal, fruit and breads are also provided, as well as ham, cheese and tomato slices.

There are nicely appointed dining rooms but it’s so lovely to sit outside at the tables that line the courtyard where the bells chime on the quarter hour. 

The elevator took me by surprise.  It’s modern and sleek, all encased in glass.

There’s a beautifully ornate chapel here beneath the guest rooms. Services are held twice a week. I’ll go to the early morning service tomorrow.

Thank you, my friend Jana, for sharing with me the information about Gästehaus im Priesterseminar. I’m glad to be here, in the heart of Old Town Salzburg.  

Love,

Jane