Golden Innsbruck

When visiting Innsbruck, be sure to visit the ‘Golden Roof’ a major landmark. Known in German as the ‘Goldenes Dachl‘, it is very close to all the available Innsbruck hotels.

Built in 1500, the roof was built by Archduke Friedrich IV as the place where the Tirolean sovereigns could live. The Roof is not actually the roof of the entire building but the three-story balcony which looks over the central plaza in the middle of Old Town. Emperor Maximilian I wanted a royal box where he could sit in and watch the tournaments in the square below. It was finally built in 1500 and it came in conjunction to celebrate Maximilian's second marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza of Milan. However it was all ironic as if you look closely you can actually see that both his wives are painted on the balcony. His first wife, Maria of Burgundy, was included so that he did not alienate ties that he had gained with allies through the first marriage. Another important historical point for the roof was on 25 February 1536 when the founder of the Hutterites, Jacob Hutter, was burned at the stake here for his Anabaptist beliefs and activities.

The roof itself is decorated with 2657 fire-gilded copper tiles. The balcony also reveals images of symbols and figures in Maximilian’s life and a coat of arms. Since January 2003, the Golden Roof has the home for the International Alpine Convention’s Office. The Alpine Convention is a coalition of eight Alpine Countries which were brought together due to their shared commitment and belief for sustainable development in the European Alps. The roof also now features a museum, the Maximilianum, which also features the Innsbruck City Archives.

Definitely consider visiting this top attraction whilst visiting the city. If you are not entirely sure where it is exactly, be sure to ask your hotel Innsbruck which undoubtedly will be very close to all the major attractions in the area. Either way, be dazzled by this top sight and see exactly why Maximilian wanted it built over half a millennia ago.