The Imperial Palace Hofburg is located in the heart of the Tyrolean city of Innsbruck. It was built by Archduke Sigismund in the 1460s on the site of medieval fortifications. Interestingly, part of these defences later became part of the modern palace.
The castle was repeatedly rebuilt according to the style prevailing at that time in Europe. The palace was originally characterised by Gothic high ceilings, then it was rebuilt as an Italian Renaissance villa, and later it was given the appearance of a typical Baroque palace ensemble.
The Hofburg was the residence of the Tyrolean rulers, but members of the ruling Habsburg dynasty also stayed here frequently. Empress Maria Theresa was particularly fond of the castle, and hosted the wedding of her son, the future Emperor Leopold II. During the festivities, the Empress's husband died suddenly and she ordered a palace chapel to be built here. During the turbulent times of the Napoleonic Wars, the Hofburg was home to both the King of Bavaria and the Tyrolean people's leader Andreas Hofer, who revolted against the occupiers.
After the abolition of the monarchy in Austria, the palace continued to function as a venue for major high-level events, but was also partially converted into a museum. The museum premises are now divided into five separate sections, among which the personal apartments of the powerful empresses - Maria Theresa of the 18th century and Elisabeth (Sisi) of the 19th century - stand out. Special mention should be made of the art gallery, where portraits of the Habsburg dynasty are on display, and the furniture museum, where the flamboyant Empire style is intertwined with simple and elegant Biedermeier. It is also a must to go down to the Gothic Hall, located on the lower level of the building, as it is considered the only room in the palace where medieval masonry and ancient Gothic decoration from 1494 have been preserved.
The architectural ensemble of the Hofburg Palace also includes a graceful inner courtyard, which is considered the most beautiful in Innsbruck. It is designed in accordance with the Baroque style.
