We were up bright and early once again this morning so we could participate in the optional tour of Innsbruck, Austria. Innsbruck became the capital of all Tyrol in 1429. When Emperor Maximilian I resided in Innsbruck in the 1490s, the city became a center of European politics and culture. It is an internationally- renowned winter sports center having hosted several Winter Olympic games.
We visited the Baroque St. James Cathedral built in the 1700’s. The artists of this time like to work with illusion. This ceiling fresco was created to look like it was painted in a dome while in reality, it is really a flat surface.
The Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) is a landmark structure located in the Old Town. Completed in 1500, it was designed to serve as a royal box where the Emperor and his imperial entourage could sit in state and enjoy festivals, tournaments, and other events that took place in the square below.
The Goldener Adler in Innsbruck dates back to 1390. It is one of the oldest original historical hotel buildings in Europe.
Below is the who’s who list of those staying at the hotel beginning with Maximilian I in 1494 and including Mozart in 1773, Maria Trapp in 1958, and Jean Paul Sartre in 1972.
Swarovski’s flagship store is in Innsbruck. This display of dresses imbedded with crystals was one of their many beautiful displays. And yes, I succumbed to temptation and purchased a small bracelet there.
On the way to Innsbruck, we went over Brenner Pass and the Europabrucke, the tallest road bridge in Europe. The two platforms in the middle of the bridge are for the bungee jumpers.
Photos just don’t capture the beauty of this area. Around every bend, there is another beautiful scene of snow capped mountains and bucolic farms.
Tomorrow, we leave Bolzano for our final day in Venice.
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