| Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived in Vienna for most of his brief life, and he had numerous addresses in the city. However, of all the places he lived, only the Figaro House remains as a memorial to the immortal composer. This apartment, where Mozart lived from 1784 to 1787, is tucked in a small street behind St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Those three years were probably the most successful and prolific of his career. For example, it was here that Mozart composed “La Nozze di Figaro.”
Though Mozart only occupied an apartment in the house on Domgasse 5, the entire house has been converted into a museum. On the third floor, visitors are introduced to the historical background and circumstances of Mozart’s life. The second floor is devoted to Mozart’s Operas. The rooms on the first floor are perhaps the most interesting: this is where Mozart lived with his family. Unfortunately, virtually none of the Mozarts’ furniture has survived, nor is it known exactly how the rooms were used. However, exhibits of pictures, documents, models and videos are used to recreate the way things were. With a little bit of imagination, visitors can retrace Mozart’s steps and get a feeling for life in Baroque Vienna. |
