Tag: 2024-09 Germany-Austria

In Salzburg we attended a concert in the ornate Marble Hall at Mirabell Palace. The Marble Hall is an example of Baroque architecture and one of the most significant concert halls in the country. It was originally built between 1721-1727 as part of a major redesign of Mirabell Palace, commissioned by Prince-Archbishop Franz Anton von…

A Hochbunker is a “high-rise bunker”. They were built by Germany during World War II for several practical reasons, even though underground bunkers might seem more intuitive for protection against air raids: 1. Geological Factors: In many parts of Germany, particularly in urban areas, high groundwater levels or unstable soil conditions made it difficult to…

The Siegestor, or Victory Gate, has evolved from a symbol of military triumph to one of peace and reconciliation. The Siegestor was commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria and constructed between 1843 and 1852. Designed by architect Friedrich von Gärtner, the gate was inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome. It was originally…

War Monument or War Memorial. The “23er Denkmal” (monument) was built in 1930/31 to commemorate the 3,963 soldiers of the 23rd Bavarian Infantry Regiment who died in World War I. The ceremonial inauguration took place on 12. June 1931. The monument was designed by the sculptor Sepp Mages. The imposing monument is made from 17…

The Feldherrnhalle, or “Field Marshals’ Hall,” was commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria and built between 1841 and 1844. Designed by architect Friedrich von Gärtner, it was modelled after the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Italy. The monument replaced a former Gothic-style gate and was intended to honour the Bavarian army and its victorious…