Built in 1077 on the Festungsberg Rock 400 feet above the Salzach River the Hohenssalzburg Fortress is one of the largest and best preserved castles in Europe.
The fortified areas of the castle continued to be increased throughout the 12th and 13th centuries.
After the Napoleonic wars, when Salzburg became part of Austria in 1816 the castle was used as a prison and an army camp. During World War 1 the castle was used to imprison Italian officers as prisoners of war.
Incredible views and the courtyard (main square) where the castle's 1,000 medieval residents could be self-sufficent. The square was ringed by shops and the church dedicated to St. George, the protector of the horses.
Not a modern water closet (toilet) ! Must be for men only!
The top floor of the museum in the castle shows the royal apartments including the kitchen.
Highly modern facility in those days - with a door!
The Palace Museum has exhibits from music to torture.
Between 1300 and 1700 pole weapons (spears, pikes, hellebarde, hook, schthe) became extremely effective weapons of attack for the common soldier.
The fortress was opened to the public in the 1860s by Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef.
The first of many castles to come along our adventure. I know I am looking forward to seeing many more!
No comments:
Post a Comment