Royal Figure

Emperor Maximilian I

Holy Roman Emperor known as "the Last Knight" for his love of chivalric culture and personal bravery in battle. Maximilian's most direct connection to Salzburg runs through Matthäus Lang von Wellenburg, who served as…

Born22 March 1459, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Died12 January 1519, Wels, Upper Austria
NationalityAT
RoleEmperor, 'The Last Knight'

Holy Roman Emperor known as "the Last Knight" for his love of chivalric culture and personal bravery in battle. Maximilian's most direct connection to Salzburg runs through Matthäus Lang von Wellenburg, who served as his chief secretary and chancellor before becoming Archbishop of Salzburg. Lang was one of the most powerful men in the Empire, and his later archiepiscopate brought imperial-level political experience to the city.

Maximilian visited Salzburg on multiple occasions and was deeply connected to Austrian patronage of the arts. His famous tomb in the Hofkirche in Innsbruck, with its 28 larger-than-life bronze figures, is one of the great works of Renaissance art in the German-speaking world.

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