Maria-Theresien Strasse (Maria Theresia Street), Innsbruck (must see)

Austrians think of Maria-Theresien-Strasse as a shopping destination nonpareil. That's saying a lot for one shopping street in a country full of great places to shop.

It is about 500 yards in length. The northern point is the intersection of Burggraben and Markgrabben. The south end is marked by the Truimphpforte, the Triumphal Arch of Maria Theresia. The street is a graceful curving promenade with inviting benches and ornate streetlamps of wood and brass.

The street is pedestrianized. The atmosphere is festive. If one walks north on the street there are dramatic mountain views looming over the town. In its early days, the street was a housing magnet for the wealthy and the nobility. They built homes and palaces; imposing Rococo, Baroque and Renaissance buildings.

Saint Anne's Column was erected in 1706 to commemorate the defeat of Bavarian invaders of 1703. The Virgin Mary stands on a crescent moon atop a tall, slender Corinthian column of red marble. Statues of saints Cassianus, Virgilius, George and Anne are at the base.

New age malls on the street area Kaufhaus Tyrol, voted Europe's best-looking shopping mall. The mall is home to nearly 50 shops. RathausGalerien is a modern glass-roofed building with 24 high profile brands and six restaurants.

The best time on Maria-Theresien Strasse is the annual Christmas Market from November to January. It is a festival of glass, crystals and light, creating a land of dreams.