Karajan Square & the “Horse Pond”
As you emerge from Sigmund’s Gate, you come to Herbert von Karajan Square and the famous “Horse Pond”, which dates back to the 17th century. It was here, in the heart of today’s Festival District, that parade horses from the prince-archbishops’ stables used to be washed off and groomed. The square was named after famous Salzburg-born conductor Herbert von Karajan. The Horse Pond on today’s Herbert von Karajan Square was designed and built in 1603 by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The statue of the “Horse Tamer” and the unique frescoes on the back wall of the Horse Pond evoke some of the customs of that time. For fans of the Hollywood movie “The Sound of Music”, Herbert von Karajan Square is a must-see atrations.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress is enthroned on the Festungsberg, high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district. The biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe, this emblem of Salzburg, offers a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. Archbishop Gebhard built the Hohensalzburg Fortress in 1077. Around 1500, under Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, the fortress took on its present appearance. The original purpose of the fortress was to protect the principality and the archbishops from enemy attack. In all these years it has never been taken by foreign troops. The Fortress Museum itself shows historical exhibits focused on courtly life. The historic armoury houses an interactive exhibition on suits of armour and weapons. Also located on the third floor of the fortress are the Princes’ Chambers, consisting of the Princes’ Hall, the Golden Chamber and the Golden Hall. The furnishings in all of these rooms are original and have remained unchanged since 1501/1502.