kavernen 1595

Useful Information

Location:	Gstättengasse 27-29, 5020 Salzburg. Mönchsbergaufzug, Gstättengasse 13. Mönchsberggarage. (47.8015187, 13.0387109)
Open:	only at events. [2026]
Fee:	yes. [2026]
Classification:	Cellar Restaurant Cellar
Light:	Electric Light
Dimension:	Ar=1,000 m².
Guided tours:
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	yes
Bibliography:
Address:	kavernen 1595, Gstättengasse 27-29, 5020 Salzburg, Tel: +43-59333-4000.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1585	The Stiegl cellar was dug.
1595	Caverns built by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau.
1959–1961	Extended by Marsoner Rainer Winery to accommodate wine tanks.
1990s	Acquired and refurbished by Wüstenrot Versicherung AG.
2008	Oper im Berg Festival Salzburg founded.

Description

kavernen 1595 is described as a festival theatre or event venue; it hosts theatre performances, gala evenings, corporate presentations, weddings, private parties and large-scale events. The entire venue is underground, situated in caverns within the Mönchsberg that have existed since 1595, right in the heart of Salzburg. In total, the venue has 1,000 m² of event space; the three largest rooms are the Große Taverne (285 m²), the Kleine Taverne (174 m²) and the Kellergewölbe (128 m²). Access is convenient either from the entrance to the Mönchsberg lift or from the Altstadtgarage car park. The operators are very proud of their air purification system, which first filters air from outside and then supplies the caverns with fresh air – certainly a good idea given the underground location and large crowds. The various smaller cellars have been converted into a kitchen, toilets or artists’ dressing rooms.

The cellars were originally the storage cellars of the Stiegl Brewery, which was first mentioned in records as early as 1492. It was located in Gstättengasse and very successful, so in 1585 the storage cellar was expanded, and called the Stieglkeller. Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau had further caverns hewn into the Mönchsberg in 1595. Following the landslide on 16-JUL-1669, the owner of the Sternbräu, Georg Ehrenreich Stockhamer, purchased five houses in Gstättengasse and had all five façades standardised. The caverns in houses nos. 27 to 29 were used for storing beer. Between 1959 and 1961, the Marsoner Rainer winery further expanded these caverns to house wine tanks. In the late 1990s, Wüstenrot Versicherung AG acquired the buildings and spent several million euros renovating the buildings and caverns. The tunnel leading to the Mönchsberg garages via the Mönchsberg lift was also built at that time, and the vaulted cellars were fitted out for events.

It seems there are a wide variety of events taking place at kavernen 1595, so it’s probably quite easy to visit. The official website also invites visitors: “Feel free to drop by – we’ll show you the most beautiful event venue right in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town.” So you could simply try asking during opening hours.