In the central courtyard of the Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg, the Matthäus-Lang-Zisterne (Matthaeus Lang cistern) is located. It is a large cistern that was built in the 16th century to store water for the fortress in case of siege. The cistern is named after Matthäus Lang, who was the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg and ordered its construction.
The cistern is a unique and impressive piece of medieval engineering. It is underground and has a capacity of around 1.5 million liters of water, it was built using the latest technology of the time and it was a vital part of the fortress's defense system.
The Matthäus-Lang-Zisterne is not a very well-known feature of the fortress and it's not always open to the public, but it's a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the fortress and the daily life of the people who lived and worked there. It is a unique and exciting attraction that provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the fortress's history and the importance of the water supply in medieval times.
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.
