Description of the attraction
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is located in the heart of the city of Salzburg, it rises at an altitude of 120 meters above sea level. This powerful medieval fortress is one of the largest in all of Europe.
It was built on the rocky Festungberg mountain in 1077 as a refuge for the Salzburg archbishops. Only the Romanesque foundations remain from the original building. The fortress was repeatedly rebuilt, expanded and increased in size. The fortress acquired its present appearance by 1500. At the same time, the first funicular in the world was built in the castle, called Raiszug. It was intended for the delivery of goods.
In 1525, Hohensalzburg underwent its first and last siege, but the rebellious peasants were unable to penetrate the thick walls of the fortress. However, this siege lasted exactly two months - 61 days. But during the Napoleonic Wars, the castle surrendered to the French without a fight. In the 19th century, military barracks were located here, and then, until the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, the fortress was used as a prison.
Now the Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the main city attractions. You can get to it on foot, but the most convenient way is to climb to the top of the hill by cable car. Powerful walls surround the archbishop's palace, the church of St. George, various residential and utility buildings.
The corner tower of Rekturm was once a prison. A torture chamber has been preserved here. The Glockenturm Tower, through which you can enter the building's living quarters, used to have bells. Two more towers have survived - Zayachya and Sernaya, located on a small square on the rampart. Many cannons can be seen everywhere, most often aimed at the city.
The castle currently houses a museum dedicated to the history of this fortress, as well as the city of Salzburg itself. Among the interior spaces, of particular interest is the Golden Room with an elegant Gothic stove (1501), decorated with majolica and decorated with figures. The exposition of the museum itself is largely devoted to the military theme; there are many different weapons, including old ones, uniforms and other items of the war years.
