Salzburg is the pearl of the Austrian region and the famous birthplace of the world's most famous composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Set on the banks of the River Salzach, the city is surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery and dominated by the monumental Fortress Hohensalzburg, perched on the Mönchsberg mountain. As well as its rich history and stunning architecture, the city is also famous as the location for the film musical The Sound of Music. The city's baroque old town is one of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Here you will find breathtaking palaces such as Mirabell and Hellbrunn, museums, cathedrals and of course Mozart's house on the Getreidegasse. This particular street is a mecca of upmarket shops, cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in some of the local specialities. Salzburg is also known as the city of Mozart. Several music festivals are held here each year. At Christmas, the famous Christkindlmarkt is held in the heart of the old town.