Hohensalzburg+Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress By Jordan Springer Fortresses are usually linked to enormous citadels in England, not in Austria. However, there is an amazing castle in Austria known as the Hohensalzburg Fortress. In fact, it is considered the largest fortresses in Central Europe. As the name might suggest, Hohensalzburg Fortress was built in Salzburg, Austria. It was built in 1077 under the rule of Archbishop Leonhard von Helfenstein. It was built to protect the archbishops of Salzburg, as they were important political figure. It has been expanded since to better suit the wills of the archbishops, especially from 1147-1160 under Konrad I and from 1495-1519 under Leonhard von Keutsach. It is built on a small mountain known as Festungsberg. A lot of things have happened at Hohensalzburg, but throughout its entire history, it has never been captured. The only time it was ever actually attacked was in 1525, during the German Peasants’ War, a revolt by the German-speaking peasants of Europe. The revolutionaries did not succeed in their attack. However, during the Napoleonic War of the Second Coalition, the fortress was given up to the French. However, it happened without bloodshed. After that, it was used as a military installation for barracks and storage. Later, Hohensalzburg became a prison, holding Nazi supporters and prisoners of war. Since then, it has served as a museum, letting tourists enjoy one of the best castles in Europe, maybe the world. Speaking of enjoying the fortress, there will be lots to enjoy if we visit Hohensalzburg. First of all, we can enjoy the fortress itself, which is 820 feet long and 490 feet wide. There are the apartments of the archbishops on the 2nd floor, and the glorious state apartments on the third. The Golden Chamber is one such room, the best furnished of them all. There is also a Golden Hall, an addition to the fortress supported by pillars, one of which bears the coat of arms of Leonhard von Keutsach along with that of the Holy Roman Empire. Finally, the powder tower of the fortress contains an enormous mechanical organ with 200 pipes. It is played at 7, 11, and 6 every day. It will certainly be worth a listen. The Hohensalzburg Fortress is most definitely worth visiting. It is one of the best preserved castles in Europe, and definitely has an amazing view, as it is on a small mountain. Not only that, the strength of the fortress is a testament to the people of Salzburg, not only their strength but their dedication to religion as well.