Ward (fortification)

The main castle (also main castle, stronghold or inner castle called ) with larger castles describes that part which is particularly strong backed by a barbican, kennel, ditches, a curtain wall and other outworks and thus represents the core of a medieval fortification.

It includes the major stately home and fortified structures such as the hall building, the palace, the residential tower and the keep. Most is located in this area of the castle well or cistern, because water supplies were particularly important in the past in order to make the enemy long enough resistance during a siege can.

Usually the main castle is the oldest part of the castle complex because it includes those buildings that were built first during the construction of a castle. Often it has flanking towers, which were built to Seitenbestreichung the curtain wall and the added protection of the castle gate.

For complex castles in the buildings of the main castle group often annularly around a courtyard, which as a central storage place and - also served as a tournament course - with adequate size.

The term stronghold resulted from the fact that the main castle was mostly higher level castles and fortresses in the case of water as the outer bailey. This is the name Romanesque main castle Hohensalzburg Fortress today High floor.