THE OLD TOWN AUSTRIA
The Altstadt is a cobbled mix of old buildings, churches, and museums on the river. Its centerpiece is the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) on Herzog Friedrichstr. a gold-shingled balcony commemorating Maximilian. The nearby 15th-century Helbinghaus is graced with pale green floral detail and intricate stucco work. Its contemporary, Hotel Goldener Adler (Golden Eagle Inn), has hosted Camus, Goethe, Heine, Maximilian, Mozart, Sartre, and Wag ner. Innsbruck’s most distinctive street is Maria-Theresien-Strafie, which begins at the edge of the Altstadt and runs south. The street, lined by Baroque buildings, gives a clear view of the Nordkette mountains. At its far end stands the Triumphpforte (Triumphal Arch), built in 1765 to commemorate the betrothal of Emperor Leopold II. Up the street, the Annasaule (Anna Column) commemorates the Tyroleans’ victory on St. Anne’s Day (July 26, 1703) after a bloody Bavarian invasion.
