Innsbruck: the capital of the Austrian Tyrol

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This article is also available in: Italian

The capital and the most important city of the Austrian Tyrol, Innsbruck, is located in the valley of the river Inn, at its confluence with the river Sill. The city is located about 580 meters high and is surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Alpine chain, some of which exceed two thousand meters in height.

In the area where the city stands today, the Romans had, in the late Empire, some small military settlements, which controlled the bridge along the River Inn. The real Innsbruck arose in the Middle Ages along the most important communication route that connected Italy to Bavaria, that is, the road that passed along the Brenner Pass.

Due to its strategic geographical position and the revenues that its position allowed, the city grew in importance, becoming the capital of Tyrol in 1429. Subsequently, at the end of the fifteenth century, thanks to the Emperor Maximilian I of Habsburg, it reached the apex of its splendor. In this period Innsbruck became the favorite residence of the Holy Roman Emperor.

Today the city retains a valuable historical center with a mainly late medieval aspect, but where there are also interesting Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Among the main attractions we find the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) which is the symbol of the city. Among the religious buildings to mention the Renaissance church of Hofkirche, that is the Court Church, built by Italian architects in the sixteenth century which houses the cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian I. As for the Baroque, the Cathedral of St. James, is one of the best examples of baroque building in Austria.

Innsbruck is today an important Austrian tourist destination and the main tourist center of the Austrian Tyrol. The city is well equipped for both winter and summer tourism. The Tyrolean capital has everything a vibrant city needs. During the Advent period, its Christmas markets are famous and very popular with tourists.

When to go: The climate of Innsbruck.

Innsbruck
Population: 121.329 (2012)
Height: 578 meters above sea level