The Annasäule (St Anne’s Column) stands on one of Innsbruck’s busiest roads. A symbol of the city that represents the Tyrolean spirit of independence, this beautiful monument appears on many postcards, framed by traditional, brightly coloured buildings and sweeping mountain views.
St Anne’s Column was constructed in 1706 by Italian architect, Christoforo Benedetti. It was designed to commemorate the Bavarian army ending its occupation of the Tyrol during the Spanish War of Succession, three years earlier. As the troops departed on St Anne’s day (26 July), it was decided to dedicate the monument to her.
Although named after St Anne, the principal figure at the top of the 13-metre tall column is the Virgin Mary. Her mother, St Anne, sits at the north side of the column, while the other statues that flank its base are St Vigilus of Trent to the east, St George, and the dragon he slew, to the south, and St Cassian to the west. St George is one of the patron saints of the Tyrol. Around the saints, careful observers will spot the faces of cherubs smiling in the red marble base.
St Anne’s Column is situated in the middle of Maria-Theresien Strasse – one of Innsbruck’s oldest and busiest streets. The column offers an island of calm, and is surrounded by grass and flowers, making it a great place to sit and even enjoy a picnic. The views of Innsbruck’s Old Town buildings and up to the mountains towering around the city, usually framed with a clear blue sky, are well worth stopping to take a photo.
St Anne’s column is close to many top attractions in Innsbruck and is right next to the Rathaus (Town Hall), whilst the magnificent Triumphpforte (Triumphal Arch) sits further along Maria-Theresien Strasse. The easiest way to get to the column is on foot. Public buses stop nearby, but this monument is a great way to start your exploration of Innsbruck’s Old Town.
