Description of the attraction
The Arsenal of the city of Innsbruck is already outside the Old Town, that is, about a kilometer from the Hofburg palace complex. This powerful old building was built in 1500-1505. Now it houses one of the branches of the Tyrolean National Museum, in particular, there is a museum of the natural history of Tyrol and scientific and technological progress.
Of particular note is the origin of the arsenal building itself. It was built on the banks of the Zill River, which is a tributary of the larger waterway Inn, on which Innsbruck itself stands. It is interesting that in those days, the border of the city just passed at this place, and one of the city gates stood near the arsenal.
At the same time - that is, at the beginning of the 16th century - the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I turned Innsbruck into a large commercial and industrial center, since it was located exactly between the arms factories in the neighboring village of Mühlau and the copper mines. Already in 1503, there were about 150 cannons in the city arsenal.
The building itself is distinguished by very thick walls, more typical of medieval fortresses. It consists of two floors and several wings, interconnected in such a way that in the very center of this architectural complex a small courtyard is formed, decorated with strict arcade galleries on the ground floor.
The arsenal was used as barracks even after the abolition of the monarchy - after 1918. However, in 1964-1969, the building was carefully reconstructed and transferred to the Tyrolean National Museum. There are several exhibitions in the arsenal now, however, unfortunately, the underground floor was badly damaged due to floods in 1985. But in the courtyard of the Arsenal Museum, various colorful festivals and open-air concerts are held in the summer.
