The mighty Fortress Marienberg is a symbol of Wurzburg and served as a home of the local prince-bishops for nearly five centuries. It has been a fort since ancient times.
Most of the current structures originally were built in Renaissance and Baroque styles between the 16th and 18th centuries. The fortress is located on a prominent spur of the 266 metre high Marienberg which rises about 100 metres over the Main river on the opposite side of the city of Wurzburg. On the slopes around the castle are vineyards.
Today, Festung Marienberg is mostly accessible to the public; it houses two museums.