HOHENSALZBURG CASTLE - SALZBURG
Fortress of the Archbishops and Museums Over Salzburg
The medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg which translates rather simply as high or above Salzburg, crowns the rocky plateau of the Festungsberg mountain, dominating the cityscape. Built in its present shape beginning around 1077, the 900 year old Hohensalzburg is one of the largest preserved castle complexes in central Europe. The fortress was ordered built by Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein of Salzburg when the Prince Archbishops held great power in the central German speaking world of the Holy Roman Empire..
Archbishop Gebhard locked horns with the German Emperor Henry IV in a succession dispute, siding with Pope Gregory VII and a rival for the Imperial throne, Rudolf of Rheinfelden. In anticipation of conflict, the Archbishop ordered the fortification of his palace. The castle expanded over the centuries as stonework castle building spread across the continent. The ring walls and towers were added under Prince-Archbishop Burkhard II in 1462 with more improvements over the next 40 years. It was about this time the first lift mechanism was added to get up the steep hill, likely pulled by mule and capstan.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress was never breached in war. The only time it came under siege was during the German Peasants' War, a widespread uprising fueled by the Protestant Reformation and when a group of farmers and salt miners tried to overthrow the Archbishop in 1525, but failed to take the castle (see Munot Castle Schaffhausen). The castle was surrendered to the French troops of Napoleon under General Jean Victor Moreau in 1800, when the last Archbishop fled to the protection of Vienna. In the 19th Century the castle was used for military stores and barracks and in the 20th Century as a prison during World War I and the Nazi annexation of Austria.
Touring Hohensalzburg Chambers
The current Festugsbahn cable car funicular, one of the unique features of the castle, first opened in 1892 at the end of a refurbishment of the old castle, becoming a popular tourist attraction in the city. Today the Hohensalzburg Castle has a number of attractions within its walls. The old foundations of the castle and early history are found in the Fortress Museum, with scale models of the castle construction and layout, with artifacts of its story. The Rainer Regiment Museum offers military uniforms and weapons over time of the Austrian military. Perhaps the most unique is the World of Marionettes Museum with historic stringed puppetry exhibits, including the marionettes telling the story of Mozart’s family used in the film “Amadeus”.
Most of the existing medieval apartments and rooms date from 1498 and the Archbishop Leonard von Keutschach, who refurbished the castle residence floors. The Golden Halls is richly decorated, and was used for public audiences and formal events. The coffered ceiling is adorned with gold buttons symbolizing stars in the night sky. The archbishop’s chapel features Gothic arches and star vaults in the ceiling and the Salzburg coat of arms. The Kraut Tower (Krautturm) holds a large medieval pipe organ with over 200 pipes, from 1502, an “aerophon”, nicknamed the “Salzburg Bull”. You can climb the tower for a high view over the city and countryside surrounding Salzburg.
Visiting the Hohensalzburg Castle
Entrance to the castle is with Fortress Card, a combination ticket which includes a round trip on the hundred year old funicular, an audio-guide, entrance to the courtyards and chambers, the fortress museum, the Rainer Regiment Museum and the World of Marionettes. The cost of a Fortress Card is € 11 for adults € 10.10 reduction (Students and Seniors) € 6.30 for children 6 to 14. If you have the energy to walk, a “Festungs” card without the funicular is € 7.80 for adults, € 6.90 reduction, € 4.40 for children. Family and group tickets are available. By Michael January © Bargain
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See Also:
BAROQUE
MUSEUM OF SALZBURG
HELLBRUNN PALACE TRICK FOUNTAINS
