The River Inn flows through Austria's Tyrolean capital, a tributary of the Danube. Lying midway between Munich in Germany and Verona in Italy, it is surrounded by a dramatic backdrop from the jagged rocky spires of the Nordkette mountain range.
To head for the mountains without spending time in Innsbruck would be to miss out on seeing it's dreamy late medieval Altstadt fairy tale architecture.
To head for the mountains without spending time in Innsbruck would be to miss out on seeing it's dreamy late medieval Altstadt fairy tale architecture.
The two bell towers and dome of Dom zu St. Jakob (St. James) Innsbruck's C18th Baroque Cathedral
The tomb of Archduke Maximilian lll and Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights - The German speaking Order of Teutonic Knights was formed in the c12th to aid Christians on their pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to establish hospitals. They were a similar order to the Knights Hospitallers which I wrote about here. The tomb canopy consists of four bronze columns adorned with vine leaves, birds and insects. Dressed in armour the bare headed Archduke kneels on a cushion with his hands folded in prayer. St. George stands behind him, his hand resting on the archduke's shoulder as behind them both a slain dragon slithers away
In a future post the most historial monument in the Tyrol - a favourite place of mine to visit in Innsbruck
I have never liked so much the Baroque style. It is too much in my opinion. Less is more I think. It is done very artistique but it overwhelmes me. But every time has its own art of course.
ReplyDeleteThe Baroque style, particularly when used in churches, can, I agree, be rather overwhelming.
DeleteWe used to ski near Innsbruck, such a lovely town. Loved the Volkunst historiche museum when we were there.
ReplyDeleteIn all of the times that I have visited Innsbruck I have never been to the Volkunst historiche museum - we normally take a day trip into the city from the mountains - I should try and make more time to visit it.
DeleteDear Rosemary, Have been to Innsbruck many times yet have never seen it this beautiful. There is something about the light in your photographs that makes the city more magical and more special.
ReplyDeleteDear Gina - I think that the day of our visit was perfect weatherwise - brilliant sunshine but with some nice clouds bobbing about in the sky from time to time.
DeleteHello Rosemary, Another colorful and charming place you have brought to us. I find the secret of appreciating very ornate styles is to focus on individual shapes or details, such as the fruits and insects you photographed, rather than be overwhelmed by the whole.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - I am pleased that you enjoyed seeing the bronze details in the tombs pillars - I thought them charming.
DeleteSuch a beautiful city, haven't visited in many a year so your photos brought back happy memories.
ReplyDelete♡
DeleteWhenever I see those intricate baroque designs, my first thought is always "jeez, glad I don't have to dust that." Hey, not all of us can have lofty thoughts, you know!
ReplyDeleteOK - but a long handled feather duster helps
DeleteIt really is a fairy tale city, with the colour, the frescoes and all that Baroque 'icing' on top. I enjoyed the close-ups of the embellishments and the narrative too. I didn't know that there were German knights as you described.
ReplyDeleteI did not know about the German knights either, even though I researched the Knights Hospitallers after visiting Malta earlier in the spring.
DeleteI love the countryside in Austria and the houses ja all.. And I love your lovely photos, here and previous ones.
ReplyDeleteThank you very kindly Orvokki - so pleased that you enjoyed seeing both the Austrian countryside and houses.
DeleteI had no idea Innsbruck is so grand. The river looks a bit high..
ReplyDeleteIt was very hot whilst we were there and the remains of last winters snow on the mountain tops was melting rapidly into the river.
DeleteInnsbruck is a beautiful city. The river flowing through it adds so much to its character. Beautiful architecture, if a bit ornate. I spent a very short couple of days there too long ago and would love to return. The mountain setting is spectacular.
ReplyDeleteInnsbruck does sit in a spectacular setting
DeleteI have been to Innsbruck, but my pictures do not look this good. Hard to pick out a favorite, but that pulpit would be high on the list.
ReplyDeleteHaving a perfect day for our visit must have helped with the photos - the pulpit is probably a bit like marmite - love it or hate it.
DeleteI like the pastel colours of the buildings with their pretty window boxes, bay windows and small balconies.
ReplyDeleteEspecially like the beautiful painting Maria Hilf. It has a feeling of warmth and serenity.
Thank you for sharing the history, art and beauty of this Tyrolean city.
Thank you Betty - glad that you enjoyed seeing this post of Innsbruck
DeleteLooks beautiful. Makes me wish I was young again when I see the peaks behind as there's nothing like the thrill of exploring a new Alpine village,town or city abroad before setting off to climb the surrounding mountains. Never been to Innsbruck or that particular mountain range but I suppose I've had a good innings so can't complain :O)
ReplyDeleteYou have had an excellent innings - you are on top of mountains all of the time.
DeleteMy first ever trip abroad was to Innsbruck, I remember nothing of the architecture (being only 8 years old may be the reason for this) but it was the first time our family had encountered duvets and my parents were very dubious.
ReplyDeleteI too also remember my first encounter with a duvet which was in Switzerland, and having those same dubious thoughts - I wonder if anyone still uses sheets and blankets today?
DeleteBeautiful colorful houses and ornamentation.
ReplyDeleteLovely place!
Stunning pictures!
Greeting
The houses are so pretty aren't they - thank you for your visit
DeleteI know Innsbruck well and go there every year. I've taken many photos, but none so stunningly beautiful as yours. Thank you so much for sharing them. Whenever I visit your blog I feel like I'm on holiday, even if only for a few moments. Thank you. I've linked to your blog today on my link post.
ReplyDeleteDear Nancy - thank you very much, I am very touched by your extremly generous and kind comment. I don't have a special camera, just a simple point and shoot, but I do love taking photos, and hoping that they turn out alright.
DeleteA long, long time ago I visited Innsbruck. As you write a fantastic place to be. You made wonderful photo's Rosemary. I love the old architecture. I wonder how long it took before this beautiful buildings were finished. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely city to visit, and I am pleased to learn that you have been there too Marijke.
DeleteOh, the Cranach painting is indeed a jewel, priceless in its beauty. Thank you for introducing me to the fairytale architecture of Innsbruck which is so charming, and also cheerful. The Austrians must be happy people to live in the enchanted place, and one would expect to see a Princess or fairy pop out at any moment!
ReplyDeleteThank you Patricia - it is something about the colours complimented by the sky and background along with so many lovely little details everywhere that gives it a magical feel.
DeleteStunning shots, Rosemary. I visited Innsbruck with my parents and brothers many years ago, and have happy memories of it, but they are very vague. So your photographs have brought it to life a little; I need to go back - and to Salzburg, too.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been lovely going abroad with your parents when you were young - a real adventure then. I didn't go abroad until I was about 17 years old for the first time, but have been making up for it ever since.
DeleteI have just been catching up on your wonderful holiday in Austria. I spent a few summer holidays in Austria in the late 60's and it doesn't look as if it has changed very much. I remember the unusual ponies and all the wildflowers. Your lovely photos make me want to go back there again too! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteWe used to visit regularly when our sons were young to walk in the mountains - I am sure you would still love it too if you should returned.
DeleteGorgeous images of a beautiful city!
ReplyDeleteThank you Merisi - we had a great time
DeleteAmazing pictures Rosemary and what a lovely stay you've had in Austria. I've heard so many praising Austria as a summer destination for your holiday. That it's absolutely gorgeous scenery and perfect for hiking. And the constant prescence of both mountains and water. Your pictures from your trip to Austria has convinced me even more that Austria is a beautiful place with lots of interesting history. :)
ReplyDeleteAs always your pictures are stunning Rosemary. Take care and I hope your August is a real good one.♥
Charlie
x
Hello Charlie - many people tend to think of Austria as a winter destination, but we have often visited during the summer months and always loved it. There is so much to enjoy being surrounded by beauty, peace, freshair, and wildflowers - perfect. August is running away too quickly at the moment, I can't believe that we are a third of the way through already♡
DeleteBeautiful architecture - I never knew that Innsbruck was so lovely. Every time I read one of your travel posts - you open my eyes to such beauty.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely city Elaine as are Salzburg and Vienna too.
DeleteOh! It is going to take me ages to feel I am ready to stop looking at this post! Such wonderful images, that architecture, with that backdrop. Amazing. I want to go, now! That Golden Roof is magnificent, and that tomb..... sigh. x
ReplyDeleteThank you - you have given me a really happy glow, so pleased that you enjoyed looking at this post.
DeleteDearest Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThis is the one region of the world where they know how to make almost heavenly looking woodcarvings. Such a beautiful Baroque Cathedral does almost transform you into another world.
Here at our home we do have several of their baroque wooden angels with gilt and we have gotten so many compliments. People don't realize however how precious they are and by far not cheap. The knock off Chinese versions that are being released onto the market are a far cry from this artistry.
Also the regional marble used is a beauty to admire.
In general their architecture is fabulous and we've always loved it.
Happy that you got to be there and savor in its beauty.
You do love it, otherwise you would not be able to photograph it with such passion and share it here with your readers.
Sending you hugs from a still hot and 33+°C summer!
Mariette
Dear Mariette - thank you for your very kind comment - Innsbruck as you know is not simply a heavenly place, but magical too. With the bright sunlight and wonderful colours photographs jump out for the camera at every turn.
DeleteHope that your weather cools a little for you - here it is what I call balmy - very still, calm, and pleasantly warm.