In the place where the rivers Sill and Inn meet, on the southern slopes of the Nordkette ridge, the main city of Tyrol, Innsbruck, is located. People have lived in these territories since Celtic times, but this settlement became known as a city from the 13th century, when Duke Leopold III began to administer court on the site where the Hofburg is now located. His grandson in the mid-1490s turned this inconspicuous Alpine town into one of the most famous in Europe, making it the imperial capital. Over time, Innsbruck has not ceased to be in the spotlight. Today it attracts thousands of tourists. Here you can see the unique architecture, visit numerous museums, galleries and exhibitions, get acquainted with the history and culture of the city, taste all the delights of an excellent ski resort and enjoy the view of magnificent landscapes.
What attractions does Innsbruck offer its guests in the first place? Of course, thisarchitectural monuments of history that have managed to survive to this day. We will get to know the most significant of them in more detail.
Hofsburg Imperial Palace
One of the first places in the list of "Main attractions" Innsbruck took the imperial residence of the rulers of Tyrol - Hofsburg. This beautiful castle developed along with Austria. It was built in the 15th century by Duke Duk Zygmunt Rich for his own use. Having inherited the castle, Maximilian almost completely changed this building, turning it into one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe, built in the late Gothic style. In accordance with fashion, luxurious chambers periodically changed their appearance. In addition, each subsequent sovereign supplemented the palace complex with more and more new buildings: additional towers, chapels and castles were erected. Having come to power, Maria Theresa in the 18th century turned the palace complex into a baroque kingdom. This is how we see the Hofsburg today. Its beauty does not leave any tourist indifferent, it is beautiful both outside and inside. In luxurious halls, you can see antique royal furniture, chandeliers, golden stucco, various luxury items and much more.
Gold Roof
There is a building near the Imperial Palace, the unique feature of which is the golden roof. Innsbruck considers this landmark the emblem and symbol of the city. Built at the beginning of the 15th century by Frederick IV, the building did not attract attention until Maximilian I, having come to power, gave the order toconstruction of a royal loggia (bay window). From it, the Habsburgs watched tournaments, performances and various events held on the square. The roof of the bay window is supported by two columns, but they did not glorify this building, but 2657 gilded copper tiles. It is thanks to this decoration that the building got its name.
City Tower
Next to the "Golden Roof" on Herzog-Friedrich-Straße is another attraction of the city - the city tower. This Gothic building, 56 meters high, attracts numerous tourists with its extravagance. Its construction was carried out in two stages. The lower part was built in the 15th century and has a cylindrical shape. The addition in the form of a roof in the Renaissance style, the tower received by the end of the 18th century. Its observation deck offers magnificent views of the local scenery.
Ambras Castle
We continue to consider city sights. Innsbruck offers to visit an equally impressive building - Ambras Castle, which was once a symbol of Tyrolean power and glory. The building that we see now was built at the end of the 16th century by order of Archduke Ferdinand II. The castle consists of two parts: the lower fortress with an entrance gate and a spacious courtyard and the upper palace. Both parts are interconnected by the Spanish Hall, an attractive feature of which is the original coffered ceiling, mosaic doors, wall frescoes and mosaic doors. The castle has a gallery of portraits of the Habsburgs,wardrobe and armory.
Hofkirke - court church
But that's not all. Innsbruck never ceases to amaze its guests. Another building, located in the very center of the city, rightfully occupies a place in tourist booklets - this is the court church Hofkirke. The building was erected by order of Ferdinand I as the mausoleum of Maximilian I, who in the last years of his life even sketched a sketch of the sarcophagus with his own hand. The church fathers considered that the height of the sarcophagus at the level of the altar was an insult to the church, so it was left empty. Now this tomb, surrounded by 28 bronze statues, is one of the top places in the list of "Most Popular Attractions".
Innsbruck invites its guests to visit other architectural buildings of a religious nature. There are 5 monasteries and 11 churches in the city, among which it is impossible not to mention the Cathedral of St. James, which we will dwell on in more detail.
Cathedral of Saint James
For many years this cathedral was a modest parish church, built in strictly Gothic style in the early 12th century. After the establishment of the diocese of the city, the building turned into a Cathedral, but it has not managed to survive to this day in its original form. The earthquake of 1698 almost completely destroyed it. During the restoration of the architectural monument, elements in the Baroque style were added to the interior and exterior decoration. Now it is a unique building, the facade of which is rich in windows of various shapes. It is crowned with a large dome, and small domes adorn two attached clock towers. On the vaults of the Cathedral are depicted drawings telling about the life path of St. James. The eye of the visitors is attracted by the bright blue organ, decorated with gilding, the sound of which still awes every listener.
For connoisseurs of religious architecture, a map of Innsbruck with sights will help you get acquainted with other similar structures.
Museums of the city and its environs
Museums of Innsbruck deserve special attention, allowing you to plunge into the past of the city, get acquainted with its identity and culture, learn something new and interesting. The Grassmeier Bell Museum offers a magnificent collection. Already from the name it becomes clear what it is about. For four centuries, a foundry has been operating, led by representatives of one dynasty. It will be interesting to visit the Imperial Hunting Museum or the Anatomical Museum. The Swarovski Museum in Innsbruck deserves special attention. Once in this place, you understand that the heads of giants exist not only in fairy tales, because the attraction is located in one of them! Inside the museum looks like a labyrinth - seven rooms are interconnected by fairly narrow corridors and stairs. In these rooms you can see crystal in different variations. The pearl is a cut crystal "Centenary Anniversary" with a size of 3 million carats.
Alpine Zoo
Aftervisiting the architectural sights of the city, the question arises: "What else to see in Innsbruck?" On Mount Nordkette there is the Alpine Zoo, which has collected almost all the animals living in the Alps and has no analogues in the whole world. Here, visitors will meet with 150 species of animals located on an area of more than 4 hectares. The zoo gives all guests the opportunity to fully appreciate the beauty of the animal world of the Alps. Here you can hear the "aria" of wolves howling to the ringing of bells, admire the "dance" of fish in the aquarium and much more. A wonderful addition to this will be a unique view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Ski holidays
Do you have a soft spot for ski resorts? You are fabulously lucky! Because this city is also the center of winter recreation and sports. The ski resorts of Innsbruck are the perfect combination of all the delights of an upscale holiday and the sophistication of one of the most attractive cities in the world. Surrounded by seven of the world's most famous snowboarding and skiing areas, including the Stubai Glacier, which provides all the conditions for skiing and excellent winter holidays.
Especially popular is the easily accessible village of Igls, located 7 kilometers from the city of Innsbruck. The ski resort is located at an altitude of 900 meters and successfully combines measured village life and urban rhythm. To the west lies the equally popular Mutterer Alm ski area, nestled on the slopes of Seile. The main area of the central part of Tyrol is the Axamer Lizum tract, located 9 kilometers south of Innsbruck. All ski resorts have trails of varying difficulty, including those for beginners. The season runs from December to April. The exception is Stubai, where you can ski almost all year round.
