Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse

Herzog Friedrich Straße, or Duke Frederick Street, is the main street that runs through the historic center of Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol in Austria. The street is named after Duke Friedrich IV of Austria, who was commonly referred to as “with the empty pocket” because of his lavish spending and frequent debts. Herzog Friedrich Straße is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Golden Roof, the City Tower, the Hofburg, and the cathedral. The street also reflects the rich history and culture of Innsbruck, from its medieval origins to its modern transformation into a pedestrian zone. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and significance of Herzog Friedrich Straße, and why it is one of the most popular attractions in Innsbruck.

Herzog Friedrich Straße starts at the Inn Bridge and stretches eastward towards the old town. The Inn Bridge, or Innbrücke, is the oldest bridge in Innsbruck and dates back to the 12th century. It was originally made of wood, but was rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current bridge was constructed in 1905 and features a bronze statue of St. John Nepomuk, the patron saint of bridges, on its northern side. The bridge offers a scenic view of the Inn River and the Nordkette mountain range.

As you walk along Herzog Friedrich Straße, you will encounter some of the most iconic buildings and monuments in Innsbruck. One of them is the Golden Roof, or Goldenes Dachl, which is the landmark of the city. The Golden Roof is a three-story balcony that was built by Duke Friedrich IV in 1420 as part of his residence. The balcony is decorated with 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles that shine in the sun. The balcony also features a coat of arms of the House of Habsburg and a relief of Emperor Maximilian I, who used the balcony as a royal box to watch events and ceremonies on the street below. The Golden Roof houses a museum that displays exhibits about the history and culture of Innsbruck.

Another prominent feature of Herzog Friedrich Straße is the City Tower, or Stadtturm, which stands next to the Golden Roof. The City Tower was built in 1442 as a watchtower and a symbol of the city’s autonomy. The tower is 51 meters high and has a clock and a bell on its top. The tower also has an octagonal balcony that offers a panoramic view of the city and the mountains. The balcony can be accessed by climbing 148 steps inside the tower. The City Tower also hosts a small museum that showcases the history of the tower and the city.

Herzog Friedrich Straße also has many side streets that lead to other attractions and places of interest in the old town. One of them is Hofgasse, which connects the Golden Roof with the Hofburg, or Imperial Palace. The Hofburg was the residence of the Habsburg rulers of Tyrol from the 15th to the 19th century. The palace was originally built in the Gothic style, but was later renovated and expanded in the Baroque and Rococo styles. The palace features a grand façade, a courtyard, a chapel, and several state rooms that display paintings, furniture, and artifacts from the imperial era. The palace also hosts a museum that tells the story of the Habsburg dynasty and its influence on Tyrol.

Another side street that leads from Herzog Friedrich Straße is Pfarrgasse, which takes you to the cathedral, or Dom zu St. Jakob. The cathedral is the main church of Innsbruck and the seat of the bishop of Innsbruck. The cathedral was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style, replacing an earlier Gothic church that was damaged by earthquakes. The cathedral is famous for its rich interior decoration, especially the high altar that features a painting of the Madonna and Child by Lucas Cranach the Elder. The painting is also known as the Mariahilf, or Mary of Help, and is revered as a miraculous image. The cathedral also has a crypt that contains the tombs of several archdukes and archduchesses of Tyrol.

Herzog Friedrich Straße also has many other side streets that offer a glimpse into the history and culture of Innsbruck. Some of them are Kiebachgasse, Seilergasse, Riesengasse, and Stiftsgasse. Kiebachgasse is named after the Kiebach, a stream that used to flow through the street and provided water for the city. The street is also known for its colorful houses and shops that sell traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Seilergasse is named after the rope makers, or seiler, who used to work and live on the street. The street is also the location of the Helblinghaus, a Gothic house that was embellished with Rococo stucco in the 18th century. Riesengasse is named after the giant, or riese, who was said to guard the city in the Middle Ages. The street is also the site of the Ottoburg, a medieval castle that was built by the knight Otto von Lichtenstein in the 13th century. Stiftsgasse is named after the Stift Wilten, a monastery that was founded in the 12th century and is one of the oldest in Tyrol. The street is also the place of the Franciscan Church, a Gothic church that was built in the 15th century and contains a famous organ and a crypt.

In 1972, Herzog Friedrich Straße, along with the entire old town, was transformed into a pedestrian zone. This means that no cars or other vehicles are allowed on the street, except for emergency services and delivery vehicles. The pedestrian zone was created to preserve the historic character of the street and to enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors. The pedestrian zone also encourages more people to walk, cycle, or use public transport, which reduces traffic congestion and air pollution. The pedestrian zone also provides more space for outdoor cafes, street performers, and cultural events.

Herzog Friedrich Straße has witnessed many historical and cultural events throughout its existence. The street was the main route for all traffic coming from the south, including Wilten and Brenner, heading towards the Inn Bridge, which was the only crossing point over the Inn River in the Innsbruck region. The street also facilitated the flow of traffic towards the Ober- and Unterinntal regions. The square in front of the Golden Roof was frequently used for public performances and rallies, such as tournaments, executions, and award ceremonies. The street also hosted a weekly market under the arcades, as well as a Christmas market and a Christmas tree during the festive season.

Herzog Friedrich Straße is more than just a street. It is a living museum of Innsbruck’s history and culture. The street showcases the architectural and artistic legacy of the city, from the Gothic to the Rococo, from the Habsburgs to the modern era. The street also offers a variety of attractions and activities for the visitors, from museums and churches to cafes and markets. Herzog Friedrich Straße is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to experience the charm and beauty of Innsbruck.