Mirabell palace was built in 1606 by Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau. He named it Altenau for his mistress Salome Alt. She bore him fifteen children. Today Mirabell Palace is the seat of the city government and the Marble Hall will be used for concerts and wedding ceremonies.

Its characteristic, large, symmetrical flower-beds make the Mirabell Gardens a good example of a typical baroque park. It was built in the 18th century following the plans of theAustrian architect Fischer von Erlach.

The Pegasus fountain behind the palace became famous because in the movie "The Sound of Music", Maria and the children were dancing and singing "Do-Re-Mi" around it. When they danced up the steps they were singing a note for each step. These steps lead up to Rose Hill.