MARIENBERG FORTRESS
The Marienberg fortress on the heights of Würzburg offers a beautiful view of the Main, the vineyards and the entire city.
From the top of its hill, the fortress of Marienberg dominates the surroundings. It is a slightly uphill walk to get there, but once up there, the effort is rewarded with a superb view of the Main, the wine terraces and the entire bishop's city!
For centuries, the Marienberg fortress was the residence and seat of power of the prince-bishops of Würzburg. Around 1600, the medieval fortress was renovated according to the fashion of the time and is still today one of the most beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture in Franconia. Although the fortress was attacked several times in its history, it was only captured once: in 1631 by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). After the war, Prince-Bishop Jean-Philippe de Schönborn had the Fürstengarten (princely garden) laid out, a beautiful terrace with balustrades between the fortress and the vineyards.
Inside, the Marienkirche can be visited. Who would believe that for centuries the viscera of priests who were deemed to be at fault by the higher authorities were burned in this charming 8th century church?
The Museum für Franken (Franconian Museum) is also located in the fortress. Paintings, sculptures and art and craft objects from Würzburg and Franconia, from antiquity to the 19th century, are on display in 45 exhibition rooms.
The apartments of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg are located in the Fürstenbau. In 16 rooms, the history of the city from the 8th to the 20th century is presented.
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