Hohensalzburg Fortress
Salzburg
Hohensalzburg Fortress, located atop the Festungsberg hill in Salzburg, Austria, is among the largest medieval castles in Europe, measuring approximately 250 meters long and 150 meters wide. Originally constructed in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein, it began as a simple bailey with wooden walls and was expanded over centuries by successive prince-archbishops to protect their political power. The fortress features imposing ring walls, multiple towers, and bastions added mainly in the 15th to 17th centuries as defenses against invasions. Its interior includes the Prince-Bishop's apartments known as the 'Hoher Stock,' the impressive Salzburg Bull mechanical organ from 1502, and several museums detailing its construction and history. The fortress has never been successfully besieged, withstanding the German Peasants' War in 1525. Today, it is a major cultural venue hosting concerts, exhibitions, and events, while offering visitors breathtaking views over Salzburg’s rooftops. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, combined with modern amenities like the historic funicular railway, make it a unique and captivating destination.
ヒント: For the best experience, visit during spring to early autumn when the fortress hosts concerts and guided tours. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid lines, especially in peak tourist seasons. Take the Festungsbahn funicular from the city center for easy access. Consider joining themed tours like family-friendly or evening tours to explore different facets of the fortress. Visitors with mobility issues can enjoy barrier-free routes and special guided tours. Don't miss the daily playing of the Salzburg Bull organ from Palm Sunday to October 31st.
興味深い事実
- •Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the largest fully preserved medieval castles in Europe, covering over 7,000 m² of built area and more than 14,000 m² including bastions.
- •The fortress houses the 'Salzburg Bull' - a large mechanical organ built in 1502, which is still played daily during the tourist season.
- •The Reisszug funicular railway, first documented in 1515, is considered the oldest operational railway in the world.
- •Despite its size and history, the fortress was only besieged once during the German Peasants' War of 1525 and never captured.
- •The fortress was used as a prison during World War I and held Nazi activists before Austria's annexation in 1938.
歴史
The fortress's origins trace back to a Roman fortification at the site, but the current structure dates to 1077 when Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein began construction.
Over the centuries, it was expanded by prince-archbishops like Burkhard II von Weißpriach and Leonhard von Keutschach, who added fortifications, residential wings, and the earliest funicular railway known as the Reisszug.
The fortress played a key role during the German Peasants' War in 1525, resisting siege attempts.
Later, it served as a military barracks, prison, and storage depot before being abandoned militarily in 1861.
Restorations in the late 19th century turned it into a prominent tourist attraction, and it retains its cultural importance today.
場所ガイド
Prince-Bishop's Apartments (Hoher Stock)15th-16th century
The upper floors contain the lavishly decorated apartments of the prince-archbishops, showcasing late Gothic architecture and furnishing that reflect the power and prestige of Salzburg's rulers.
Salzburg Bull (Salzburger Stier)1502
A massive mechanical organ with over 200 pipes, built in 1502 and renewed in 1735, located in the Krautturm tower. It is played daily during the tourist season, marking the start and end of the carillon music in Salzburg's Residenzplatz.
Festungsmuseum (Fortress Museum)
This museum presents the construction history and everyday life of the fortress, including exhibits on medieval warfare, architecture, and Salzburg's political history.
Great Armoury (Großes Zeughaus)
A large hall in the courtyard displaying historical weapons and armor, illustrating the fortress's military significance.
Reisszug Funicular Railway1515
An early funicular railway originally built in the early 16th century to transport goods to the fortress's upper courtyard; it remains operational today in modernized form and is considered the oldest functional railway in the world.
連絡先
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