Innsbruck

This grandiose building erected by Archduke Ferdinand II on an exposed cliff on the outskirts of Innsbruck... is one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in the German-speaking world. The artistic archduke established the grand Ambras collections, to house which he had a museum constructed underneath the castle which was designed according to the most modern specifications. In addition to the 140 ft (43 m) long Spanish hall, the art and curiosity chambers and the armory, the Habsburg portrait gallery, which combines more than 200 portraits including the most valuable works of famous artists such as Cranach and Tizian, is particularly worth a visit. There is also a permanent exhibition dedicated to Ferdinand’s first wife, Philippine Welser, featuring one of the few cookery books still remaining from the Middle Ages. Another highlight is the collection of works from the late Middle Ages on the ground floor of the upper castle, the centrepiece of which is the Georgsalter of Emperor Maximilian I. Since December 2004, visitors have also been able to visit the reopened St Nicolas Chapel. This neo-Gothic masterpiece houses, among other things, the Ambras chapel treasure. more

The Golden Roof is one of Innsbruck's main landmarks and without doubt the most glittering when the sun's... rays are reflected in the almost 3,000 gold-plated roofing plates. Immense and splendid, the roof is considered one of the most beautiful and most spectacular examples of Medieval architecture, of which there are many in Innsbruck. Although legend has it that Duke Friedrich had it built as a testimony to his wealth and generosity (and to prove that he didn't deserve his nickname "empty pockets"), it was in fact commissioned by Kaiser Maximilian in around 1500 in order to have a suitable viewpoint from the bay below of the tournaments taking place in the castle courtyard. The view can still be enjoyed today by visitors to the "Goldenes Dachl-Maximilianeum" museum. This multimedia exhibition was opened just a few years ago and gives an interesting insight into Kaiser Maximilian's life. more

The Glockenmuseum or Bell Museum of the Grassmayr bell foundry, which has been awarded the Austrian Museum... Award, is a feast for the senses. This family business has been casting bells for churches and bell towers throughout the world for the past 400 years. In the sound room you can listen to the sounds of different bells and see how they affect one another - it's a unique experience. It is a lively demonstration of history and tradition. more