Located in the Inn Valley beneath the unique backdrop of the Alps, Innsbruck is known for its imperial buildings and quaint Old Town. The Tyrolean capital's magnificently preserved Old Town still reflects the city's historic and cultural past with its wonderful Renaissance, Baroque buildings and Tyrolean architecture. It's a popular destination for skiing in winter and holding mountaineering in summer, having hosted the winter Olympics in 1964.
In 1429 Innsbruck was transformed into the Tyrolean capital and a centre of European politics and culture influenced by Emperor Maximilian I who had a dominant presence in the city. This is evident from his memorial, Hofkirche (Court Church).
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Innsbruck's most famous landmark, the Goldenes Dachl, or Golden Roof, is certainly worth a visit, just to gawp at the incredibly ornate gold-plated tiles, and the Imperial Palace, built around 1460. Introducing sights such as the Golden Roof, built for Emperor Maximilian I to serve as a royal box from where he could observe the tournaments below and including nearly 3,000 gold-plated copper tiles. The Golden Roof sits within Innsbruck's beautiful Old Town, close to Maximilian's Imperial Palace and the impressive 15th century city tower.
The Domkirche of Innsbruck was rebuilt in 1717-24 by Baroque architect Johann Jakob Herkommer. The church suffered heavy damage in World War II, but has since been restored in the late 1990s. Innsbruck Cathedral has a plain but window-filled façade, two towers topped with domes and a large dome which covers the transept crossing. The main attraction of the interior is the altar-piece of Maria Hilf (Mary of Succor) by Lucas Cranach the Elder. In addition, the north aisle is home to a monument honouring Archduke Maximilian III.
10/08/2023 · By Sam Priestley
Champagne amid snowy scenery, travelling through frosty landscapes, and having your Christmas lunch served to you in luxury, there’s no Christmas and New Year quite like the one you’ll experience when on a festive trip. But some places do the celebrations better than others and some destinations just seem to embody the season. Here’s our pick of where to spend Christmas and New Year.
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21/05/2020 · By Sukie Chapman
Discover the world in winter and step into a snow-globe world of seasonal beauty.
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08/01/2020 · By Rashmi Guha Ray
There’s something deeply romantic about train journeys. In a fast-paced world where the skies are dotted with aeroplanes and air traffic has become the norm, the nostalgic appeal of trains can hardly be denied.
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13/04/2018 · By Katie Shaw
There’s something really quite special about the simple act of walking; heading out into the great outdoors and enjoying your surroundings at a slightly slower pace than usual.
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