Description of the attraction
The Hofburg Imperial Palace is located in the heart of the Tyrolean city of Innsbruck. It was built by Archduke Sigismund in the 1460s on the site of medieval fortifications. It is interesting that part of these defensive fortifications later became part of the modern palace.
The castle was rebuilt several times in accordance with the style prevailing in Europe at that time. Initially, the palace was distinguished by high Gothic ceilings, then it was rebuilt as an Italian villa during the Renaissance, and later it was given the appearance of a typical palace ensemble of the Baroque era.
The Hofburg served as the residence of the Tyrolean rulers, but members of the ruling Habsburg dynasty also often stayed here. Empress Maria Theresia was especially fond of this castle, having arranged here the wedding of her son, the future Emperor Leopold II. During the festivities, the Empress's husband suddenly died, and she ordered to equip a palace chapel in this room. And during the turbulent times of the Napoleonic wars, both the Bavarian king and the popular leader of Tyrol Andreas Hofer lived in the Hofburg, who raised an uprising against the occupiers.
After the abolition of the monarchy in Austria, the palace continued to function as a venue for major events at the highest level, but was also partially converted into a museum. Now the museum premises are divided into five separate sections, among which are the personal apartments of the powerful empresses - Maria Theresa of the 18th century and Elizabeth (Sisi) of the 19th century. Separately, it is worth noting the art gallery, which displays portraits of representatives of the Habsburg dynasty, and the furniture museum, where the artsy Empire style is intertwined with the simple and elegant Biedermeier. It is also imperative to go down to the Gothic Hall, located on the lower level of the building, as this is considered the only room in the palace where medieval masonry and ancient Gothic decoration from 1494 have been preserved.
The architectural ensemble of the Hofburg Palace also includes an elegant courtyard, which is considered the most beautiful in the whole of Innsbruck. It is made in accordance with the traditions of the Baroque style.
