Goldenes Dachl

Innsbruck, Austria

The Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) is a landmark structure of Innsbruck, considered the city's most famous symbol. Completed in 1500, the roof was decorated with 2,738 fire-gilded copper tiles for Emperor Maximilian I to mark his wedding to Bianca Maria Sforza. The Emperor and his wife used the balcony to observe festivals, tournaments, and other events that took place in the square below.

The entire oriel is decorated in sculpted reliefs and mural paintings. The first-floor balustrade is adorned with eight sculpted coats of arms, six facing the square and two flanking panels, representing Maximilian's territories. Above the coats of arms are frescoes by Jörg Kölderer, painted in 1500, showing two knights bearing heraldic flags representing the Holy Roman Empire and Tyrol.

The second-floor balustrade is decorated in eight sculpted reliefs, six facing the square and two flanking panels, depicting various images associated with Maximilian's life. The two central reliefs show Maximilian. The one on the left shows the Emperor with his second wife Bianca Maria Sforza on the left holding an apple, and his beloved first wife Maria of Burgundy on the right. The other central relief shows the Emperor with his court jester and his chancellor.

The frescoes that adorn the interior of the loggia were also painted by Jörg Kölderer and show scenes from the aristocratic life of that time.

The building that bears the Goldenes Dachl was constructed by Archduke Friedrich IV in the early 15th century as the residence of the Tyrolean sovereigns. The Goldenes Dachl was designed to serve as a royal box where the Emperor and his imperial entourage could sit in state and enjoy festivals, tournaments, and other events that took place in the square below.

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Details

Founded: 1500
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Austria

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

K Elf (3 months ago)
This is one of the most famous places in Innsbruck. During Christmas, there was a platform placed where you could a better vantage point for viewing/picture-taking. We were lucky and got to experience musicians playing from the balcony! We visited the museum itself and read through its history.
Mark (improdia) (3 months ago)
When I saw photos of this place and read that it was one of Innsbruck's most famous landmarks I thought it was a joke, but get closer to it and you realise it's something very special with a lot of history. Also, the street it is on is just beautiful and well worth a visit. Unfortunately we didn't have time to stay for a coffee or snack but highly recommend it if you're in Innsbuck.
Andrea Nori (4 months ago)
The gorgeous symbol of Innsbruck, situated in the heart of the city centre. During Christmas time (until December 23rd) you can find Christmas Markets in front of it together with a beautiful Christmas tree! However, I don't recommend visiting the monument itself, since the museum is not all that interesting and the view you get from the top is nothing special
Imran Z (4 months ago)
One of the popular attractions in the old town of Innsbruck. Its an old, historical building structure, the facade. The old town in Innsbruck is a very nice and beautiful place to walk around.
Bibhash Sarma (5 months ago)
Nice building with golden roof. Near to it, there is a very old hotel in the bank of river Inn. The English word "inn" for small hotel must have come from this hotel.
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