This shining attraction lights up Innsbruck’s Old Town and is full of interest for history and art lovers.
The Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) is Innsbruck’s most famous, and certainly its most eye-catching, attraction. Situated in the Old Town’s central plaza, it is impossible to miss this ornate structure, especially when the morning sun shines on its roof.
The Golden Roof sits on top of the three-storey balcony that was built onto a residence for local rulers. The frontage was designed to celebrate the marriage of Emperor Maximilian I to his second wife, Bianca Maria Sforza of Milan, at the start of the sixteenth century. The emperor was a big fan of jousting, and wanted a platform where he could sit and watch the tournaments in the square below. The ornate design, including 2657 gold-plated copper tiles, which give the roof its distinctive sheen, was intended to dispel any rumours that the area was struggling economically.
From the cafés lining Herzog-Friedrich Strasse, you can enjoy an excellent view of the Goldenes Dachl. Step closer to admire the decoration and carvings. At the top, you will find images of scenes from Maximilian I’s life – most notably a painting depicting the emperor standing between his first and second wives. This deliberate inclusion was a bid to avoid alienating the allies he had made through his first marriage.
The Goldenes Dachl houses the Maximilianum museum – an interactive, multimedia centre whose six galleries provide an insight into Emperor Maximilian’s life and reign, as well as teaching visitors about the history of the Tyrol region and its importance in the late Middle Ages. Make sure to pause for a while in the bay window to enjoy views out from the balcony over the square below. Younger visitors will enjoy the Kinderwelt exhibit, where they can dress up in period costumes.
The Goldenes Dachl is located in Innsbruck’s Old Town. The museum is open every day between May and September, and is closed on Mondays from October to April. A small entry fee applies that includes an informative audio guide. The easiest way to get here is on foot, and public transport stops nearby.
