Founded in 1077, Salzburg’s massive Hohensalzburg Fortress is situated in a commanding position, on Festungberg hill, overlooking the city and the Salzach River. It ranks as one of Europe’s largest and best preserved mediaeval castles. Traditionally the seat of Salzburg’s powerful Archbishops, the castle was added to over the centuries but ceased to have a military role by the end of the 19th century. Nowadays Hohensalzburg, which is especially noted for the stunning views it provides of the surrounding city and countryside, is open to visitors all the year round and can be reached either on foot or by funicular railway.