Innsbruck Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Innsbruck

Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol, Austria. It lies in a broad valley on the river Inn, not far from the Brenner Pass. The name "Innsbruck" means "Bridge over the Inn." In the 4th century Romans established a military outpost there, calling it "Bridge over the Oeni" ("Oeni Pontum" in Latin).

In 1180 the Counts of Andechs took over the town. The Brenner Pass was a vital link to northern and southern Europe. The city prospered, charging fees as a transit station on the Imperial Way. The Counts of Andechs were supplanted by the Counts of Tyrol in 1348. The new Counts were the Habsburgs, rulers of the Holy Roman Empire until 1806.

As the capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck became the residence of Emperor Maximilion I. The Court Church (Hofkirche), a classic German Gothic "hall" church, was built in 1584 to hold the cenotaph of Maximilion I and 28 statues of his ancestors. The Imperial Palace (Hofburg) was, for years, the home of the Habsburg Dynasty.

Maria-Theresia, Empress, and her husband, Francis Stephen, are stand out figures in the history of Innsbruck. She ordered the triumphal arch of Innsbruck to celebrate the marriage of her son and to mourn Francis, who died after the wedding in 1765.

The main road of the suburb of Neustadt became Maria-Theresien-Strasse in 1873. It is the most popular shopping street in Innsbruck and the home of the Column of St. Anna, a monument to commemorate the end of Bavarian occupation in 1703.

Watching tournaments in the shade of the Golden Roof was a favorite pastime of Maximilion I in 1493. Now tourists can view events from under the Golden Roof. Another adventure is to climb the the Town Tower (Stadttrum). It requires a love of steps and heights.

Onion-domed St James Cathedral, built to withstand earthquakes in 1724, harbors the masterpiece painting, Mary of Succor, by Lucas Cranach the Elder.

There are too many churches, monuments and museums to mention in this little space. When the walking tour is over, go to the Court Garden (Hofgarten). It is a 600 year old park. Maria Theresia was once a gardener there.