Description of the attraction
Bischofshofen is a large city located in the federal state of Salzburg, about 45-50 kilometers from the city of the same name. At the moment, it is not only a major railway interchange hub, but also a popular ski resort. It also has a rich history - the first settlements on this place appeared during the time of the Celts, who were later supplanted by the Romans. For winter sports enthusiasts, Bischofshofen is of particular importance - this is where the last leg of the Four Hills Tournament takes place.
The history of Bischofshofen is in many ways connected with neighboring Bavaria, for a long time there was a residence of local bishops, hence the name of the city, which literally translates as "bishop's court". In the 12th century, the Archbishop of Salzburg donated a valuable Christian relic to the local church of St. Maximilian - the crucifixion of St. Rupert, decorated with gold and precious stones. However, in the 16th century, due to religious unrest and natural disasters, the city fell into desolation, which lasted until the 19th century, when the city turned into a major railway interchange point.
The main attraction of the city is the ruins of the 12th century castle, located on the top of the hill, from which the beautiful Heinbach waterfall springs. They are about half an hour's drive from the center of Bischofshofen. You can reach them on foot, climbing a convenient staircase just in the immediate vicinity of the waterfall.
As for city buildings, the above-mentioned parish church of St. Maximilian is of particular interest. It was built on the foundations of the Augustinian monastery of the 8th century, "contemporary" of the famous Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg. The modern building was made in late Gothic style already in 1450. Among the decorative elements, it is worth noting frescoes of the 15th-17th centuries and old Gothic sculptures of the 15th century. But the precious crucifix of St. Rupert is now kept in the Museum of Urban History, which is located in a 12th century tower next to the temple. In addition to other masterpieces of medieval religious art, here you can also see more ancient archaeological finds dating back to the era of antiquity.
In the city of Bischofshofen, it is worth visiting the Romanesque Georgikirche church, behind which there is a cemetery with a memorial to the victims of the First World War, a Gothic church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and another old Burgbergkirche church, towering on a hill and famous for its Gothic frescoes.
