Step through the majestic door of the Golden Chamber in Hohensalzburg Fortress and be transported back to the opulence of medieval Europe. This door serves as the gateway to a room adorned with breathtaking Gothic wood carvings, where seats along the walls are covered with motifs of grapes, greenery, and animals, reflecting the grandeur of its time..
Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched high above the city of Salzburg, is a symbol of the power wielded by the Prince-Archbishops who ruled the region. Erected in 1077, the fortress has stood the test of time, witnessing the evolution of European history from its strategic vantage point. Its walls, which were expanded and fortified over centuries, tell tales of political intrigue, the struggle for ecclesiastical power, and the cultural renaissance that swept through Europe. The fortress, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, remains a testament to the architectural prowess and historical significance of Salzburg’s ruling elite.
Significant moments in the fortress’s history include the expansion under Prince-Archbishop Burkhard II von Weißpriach in 1462, which added the ring walls and towers, and the extensive building work under Archbishop Leonard von Keutschach around 1500, which gave the fortress much of its current appearance. The fortress also played a role during the Napoleonic Wars, being surrendered to French troops in 1800, and later served as a military outpost and barracks throughout the 19th century. It was even used as a prison during the First World War and commandeered by Nazi activists prior to the Anschluss in 1938. These events not only shaped the fortress but also the history of Salzburg itself.
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