We are going further into the military section of the museum that is dedicated to the First World War. Beside the door stands the "Soldier in iron". During World War 1, similar figures such as Knights, served as an early form of public welfare (the iron soldier still standing in the town hall in the "Felder Strasse" in Vienna). In return for a donation, members of the public were allowed to hammer a nail into the wooden statue, the money collected, administered by the war welfare office, was used to support needy widows and orphans. The Salzburg soldier, linked to the local legend of Charlemagne in the Untersberg. Sculpted by the founder of the world-famous Marionette Theatre Anton Aicher during World War 1 the figure stood originally next to the Café Tomaselli kiosk. Archduke Ludwig Viktor, the youngest brother of Emperor Franz Joseph, donated the fitting of the waist strap tip.
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.
