Top of the World
Ambras Castle Innsbruck is one of the most beautiful sights of the Tyrolean state capital and is among the most important museums worldwide. Founder of the Renaissance residence was Archduke Ferdinand II (1529 - 1595) who founded also the “Ambras Collection” (Ambraser Sammlung) and built a modern museum in the basement. A large part of his collection can be admired in the three Chambers of Armour, the Chamber of Art and Curiosities and the Hall of Antiquities.
The high castle is not only an architectural highlight per se but also for art lovers! There the famous Habsburg Portrait Gallery, spread over three floors, can be watched. More than 200 portraits made by masters like Arcimboldo, Cranach, Rubens, van Dyck, Velázquez et al. are exhibited. Unique is the “Glassammlung Strasser”, one of the most important collections of precious glasses from the Renaissance until Baroque worldwide. Ambras Castle Innsbruck, in association with the Museum of Fine Arts Vienna, is an international top destination for art lovers due to its changing excellent special exhibitions.
The Spanish Hall, below of the high castle, is among the most splendid halls of the Renaissance. In summer it is venue for a range of concerts, e.g. the “Innsbruck Festival of Early Music” (Festwochen der Alten Musik) and the “Ambras Castle Concerts”. The inner courtyard of the high castle is decorated with original frescoes. This Renaissance jewel with its huge park makes a visit an unforgettable experience! By the way, in 2017 “450 years of Prince Regnant Ferdinand II” are celebrated with a jubilee exhibition. On January 19, 1567, Ferdinand II made his festive entrance at Innsbruck as Prince Regnant.
