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.
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