Salzburg, which is the northwestern gateway to Austria and the capital of the province of the same name, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, delighting with its architecture and overall atmosphere.
This wonderful and picturesque city, occupying the banks of the river. Salzach has many historical and architectural attractions, including its magnificent palaces and castles. Salzburg is beautiful and unique.
General information about the city
This city is well known in the world of music as the birthplace of W. A. Mozart. This fame is reflected in such attractions as the museum, located in the house where the great composer was born, as well as in various festivals dedicated to his work. The Salzach River, flowing from the Salzburg Alps, flows through the expanses of land on which stands the majestic Untersberg (a mountain range 1,853 meters high). From its top, an unforgettable panorama of the city opens up with its palaces, castles and domed towers.
Following is the famous fortress and some castles of Salzburg.
Fortress Hohensalzburg
Hohensalzburg, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, is the symbol of Salzburg. It is located on Mount Festunsberg, and was built in 1077 by order of Prince-Archbishop Gebhard I. Its height is 250 meters, its width is 150 m. The castle is located on top of a 120-meter mountain, near Salzburg. It was originally built in the Romanesque style, but today only the foundation has survived from that castle.
The castle in Salzburg on the mountain was rebuilt and fortified several times, and eventually turned into a powerful fortress. It acquired its present appearance in the 16th century. For the first time in the world, the Reiszug funicular was installed in this castle, which was intended for the delivery of various goods.
Throughout its long history, the fortress of Hohensalzburg did not submit to any of the enemies besieging it. Only during the Napoleonic Wars did it have to be surrendered without a fight. Subsequently, these structures began to be used as warehouses and barracks. It was used as a prison at the beginning of the 20th century. It contained Nazis and Italian prisoners of war.
Castle in Salzburg on the mountain
What is the name of the castle built on a hill 155 meters high? This is Hohenwerfen Castle, located near the Austrian city of Werfen (Salzburg). At one time it had defensive significance for Salzburg, the main city of this land. This is a completely impregnable fortress, located between overgrown forests.hills. The Salzach River also flows here.
The beginning of the construction of the castle - XI century. Subsequently, it was rebuilt, expanded and strengthened. Thick walls were built in the castle and special recesses were created for the installation of artillery weapons. Salzburg castle Hohenwerfen changed owners more than once, was conquered by the French army of Napoleon, burned.
In the 20th century, it was used as a training camp for local police officers for fifty years. Today it has the status of a museum. From the height of the funicular that lifts visitors to the castle, amazing views of the building and its surroundings open up.
Mauterndorf Castle
Among the castles of Salzburg, this one belongs to the magnificent architectural creations of the Middle Ages. Since 1023, the entire territory surrounded by the current castle became the property of the Bishop of Salzburg. In 1253, the construction of the building began as a defensive structure from enemies. Initially, it was a four-story building, including a prison and fortress walls. Over time, towers and another fortress wall were added to the castle. For about a hundred years, it was rebuilt and expanded more than once. The walls were decorated with coats of arms and frescoes.
From the beginning of the 19th century, the castle became the property of the state, but was soon bought by Hermann von Epenstein (a doctor from Berlin), after whose death his widow gave the building to Hermann Goering.
The palace was again transferred to city ownership in 1968, and today it houses a museum. The interior of the castle is richly decorated with stucco. The chapel of Henry II is decorated with frescoes made in the 14th century. They depict the Virgin Mary in the process of coronation.
Helbrunn Castle
Another attraction of Austria is the castle of Salzburg called Hellbrunn. It is located six kilometers from the city (to the south). At the beginning of the 17th century, Prince Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, who received the right to rule the country, decided to build a residence. Being a fan of Italian culture, he decided to build his country palace in a luxurious Italian style. To this day, this opulent structure is a prime example of Renaissance architecture.
The most picturesque place was chosen for the construction - a site at the very foot of Mount Hellbrunn. In this fertile place, everything is fragrant, there are numerous springs and springs nearby. Among the dense greenery of the park are the famous Amusing Fountains, whose streams and jets of water appear unexpectedly and in different places, delighting visitors. For about 400 years, these fountains have been amusing and delighting the guests of the palace.
It should be noted that this beautiful castle of Salzburg has never been used as an official residence throughout its history, since the originality of its entertainment and the luxury of the building itself were more conducive to fun festive events. Since the 18th century, the alleys of the park have been supplemented with statues of ancient gods and mythical heroes.
In closing
From virtually anywherethe city of Salzburg, you can overlook the majestic Hohensalzburg fortress, and from the height of the fortress itself, views of the beautiful Alps on the one hand and magnificent palaces and castles that adorn the city landscapes on the other side.
