Wars of independence after the French Revolution and the ambitions of European powers led to coalitions and Napoleonic wars. After the Congress of Vienna, Salzburg, independent until 1806, then periodically administered by Austria, France and Bavaria, finally became a permanent part of Austria. In 1817, the Salzburg Regiment was formed, which recruited soldiers from the Duchy of Salzburg and some parts of Upper Austria. From time to time, Hohensalzburg served as a garrison for a disciplined unit. The revolution of 1848/49 finally paved the way for civil society. During the revolutionary wars, the unit fought in Northern Italy and was partially involved in Hungary.
In 1848, Emperor Franz Joseph I ascended the throne. In 1852, he appointed Archduke Rainier Ferdinand commander-in-chief of the regiment. During the Danish War of 1864, Hohensalzburg was used to intern Danish officers. Frequent redeployment locations placed a garrison in Trento, Innsbruck and Bregenz. When Archduke Rainier died in 1913, Emperor Franz Joseph I decided that the regiment should forever bear the name of its former commander-in-chief.
World War I - caught a regiment in Galicia. The unit suffered heavy losses from the Russian Imperial Army near Rava Ruska and Krakow. The new weapons system, machine guns and mortars had fatal consequences. The new conditions required a new uniform. Since September 1915, the pike grey («gechtgrau») colour of the uniform has been replaced by field grey (greenish-grey, «feldgrau»). Camouflage has become better, and losses have decreased.
The Hohensalzburg Castle in Salzburg, Austria, is a stunning medieval fortress that sits atop a hill overlooking the city. It was initially built in the 11th century to protect the Archbishop of Salzburg. It has been expanded and renovated over the centuries to become one of the most impressive castles in Europe.
One interesting story about the castle is that in the 16th century, the Archbishop of Salzburg, Markus Sittikus, commissioned the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's father, Leopold Mozart, to design and build a magnificent palace within the castle walls. Leopold, who was a skilled musician and composer himself, created a court that featured beautiful frescoes, ornate furnishings, and a grand ballroom where the Mozart family would often perform.
In addition to the palace, the castle also features several other exciting attractions, such as the Golden Hall, adorned with gold leaf and intricate frescoes, and the Torture Chamber, where visitors can see instruments of punishment used in medieval times. The castle can be reached by a funicular railway from the city or by a hike up the hill.
Today, the castle is a major tourist attraction, and it is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the palace and other parts of the court and take in the beautiful views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. It is a must-see place for anyone visiting Salzburg.
But let us first visit the catacombs at the bottom of monk hill. It is worth noting that the Catacombs are not prominent places, and they may not offer the same experience as some of the more famous catacombs worldwide. But it is a fascinating historical site that gives a glimpse into the past of Salzburg and offers a different perspective on the city's history.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
