Witness the grandeur and vanity of the old imperial families of Innsbruck by visiting the Triumphal Arch. The grandiose monument is a tribute to Tirol’s 18th-century rulers and was commissioned by the imperial family themselves. Visit this striking landmark on a walking excursion around the old town of Innsbruck. The surrounding area offers places to eat or shop while exploring the city.
Get up close to examine the monument, which was built from a reconstituted city wall. The stone used for the archway was part of defence ramparts, but sculptures and reliefs were added to make it an imperial monument. The landmark was finished in 1765, intended as a tribute to the marriage of Empress Maria Theresa’s son. However, the empress’ husband Kaiser Franz I died shortly after the marriage celebrations, so the arch took on a new, more solemn significance.
View the arch from both sides to see the different stories behind its construction. On the southern side, the façade celebrates the imperial wedding, whereas the northern side remembers the life of the kaiser. Franz I is also depicted on the eastern edge, with Maria Theresa herself shown in a relief on the western side. Look at the very top of the arch to see another marble relief of the empress.
Take photos of this impressive monument framed by the Nordkette mountains in the background. The arch stands in a square surrounded by galleries, cafés and accommodation, making the area a pleasant place to pass during a walk around the city. Admire the burnt pink bricks of the Sarnthein, a historical building that today hosts banks and shops. Venture inside one of the nearby art galleries or pause for a drink in a café that faces the arch.
The Triumphal Arch is located in the centre of Innsbruck, which can easily be explored on foot, for free. Wander here from the main station and arrive at the arch in just over 5 minutes. Nearby sights include the Maier Gallery and Innsbruck’s City Hall.
