Goldenes Dachl (The Golden Roof), Innsbruck (must see)
There were rumors around 1500 that Emperor Maximilion I was in financial difficulties. Ostensibly he had the Goldenes Roof built to commemorate his marriage to Bianca Maria Sforza of Milan. But perhaps he also wanted to quash the rumors he was broke.
His first wife, Mary of Burgundy died in 1482. His second marriage to Anne of Brittany was annulled in 1492. Bianca was the third to take the plunge with the Emperor. If a rumor started that she had money that wouldn't hurt anything.
The building of the Golden Roof was actually constructed by Archduke Friedrich IV in the early 1400s to be a residence for the rulers of Tyrol. When Maximilion moved in he commissioned the loggia on the facade from Nikolas Turing the Elder in 1493. Nikolas was the court builder. He designed the golden roof.
It wasn't gold, actually. It was made of 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Near as good as gold for appearances. The front of the building became a double-decker oriel with two balustrades. The upper balcony served as a royal box. From there the emperor and his wife could enjoy festivals and tournaments in the square below.
The balustrade on the upper level has eight reliefs. Six face the square and two facing the sides. One of two reliefs in the center show Maximilion with wife number one and his current spouse, Bianca, who is on the left holding an apple. Maria of burgundy is on the right. The second relief shows the emperor with his jester and chancellor.
The flanking reliefs show Moorish dancers. Frescoes in the interior of the loggia were painted by Jorg Kolderer. They are of scenes of aristocratic life. Today all these decorations are copied. The originals are in the Tyrolean State Museum.
The Golden Roof is currently the home of the International Alpine Convention office and The Maximilianum, a museum showing the life of the emperor. There is a special exhibition called "What remains?" ("Was bliebt?" in German). There is a stair lift providing accessibility for everyone.
His first wife, Mary of Burgundy died in 1482. His second marriage to Anne of Brittany was annulled in 1492. Bianca was the third to take the plunge with the Emperor. If a rumor started that she had money that wouldn't hurt anything.
The building of the Golden Roof was actually constructed by Archduke Friedrich IV in the early 1400s to be a residence for the rulers of Tyrol. When Maximilion moved in he commissioned the loggia on the facade from Nikolas Turing the Elder in 1493. Nikolas was the court builder. He designed the golden roof.
It wasn't gold, actually. It was made of 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles. Near as good as gold for appearances. The front of the building became a double-decker oriel with two balustrades. The upper balcony served as a royal box. From there the emperor and his wife could enjoy festivals and tournaments in the square below.
The balustrade on the upper level has eight reliefs. Six face the square and two facing the sides. One of two reliefs in the center show Maximilion with wife number one and his current spouse, Bianca, who is on the left holding an apple. Maria of burgundy is on the right. The second relief shows the emperor with his jester and chancellor.
The flanking reliefs show Moorish dancers. Frescoes in the interior of the loggia were painted by Jorg Kolderer. They are of scenes of aristocratic life. Today all these decorations are copied. The originals are in the Tyrolean State Museum.
The Golden Roof is currently the home of the International Alpine Convention office and The Maximilianum, a museum showing the life of the emperor. There is a special exhibition called "What remains?" ("Was bliebt?" in German). There is a stair lift providing accessibility for everyone.
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Goldenes Dachl (The Golden Roof) on Map
Sight Name: Goldenes Dachl (The Golden Roof)
Sight Location: Innsbruck, Austria (See walking tours in Innsbruck)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Innsbruck, Austria (See walking tours in Innsbruck)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Innsbruck, Austria
Create Your Own Walk in Innsbruck
Creating your own self-guided walk in Innsbruck is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Innsbruck Introduction Walking Tour
Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol, Austria. It lies in a broad valley on the river Inn, not far from the Brenner Pass. The name "Innsbruck" means "Bridge over the Inn." In the 4th century Romans established a military outpost there, calling it "Bridge over the Oeni" ("Oeni Pontum" in Latin).
In 1180 the Counts of Andechs took over the town. The Brenner... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
In 1180 the Counts of Andechs took over the town. The Brenner... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Innsbruck's Architectural Jewels
Coveted by empires, republics and ruling dynasties over the centuries, Innsbruck has been a living treasure house of history and culture. Undoubtedly this is one of Europe's most idyllic cities, nestled amid the craggy peaks in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Innsbruck equally scores as an Alpine playground and a showcase for Hapsburg imperial heritage, and is famous for its ancient,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles