Ottoburg

Ottoburg is a residential tower that stands at the entrance of the old town in Innsbruck, the capital of the state of Tyrol in Austria. The tower was built in the late Gothic style and has a history that dates back to the 15th century. It is also associated with the name of the city itself, as it was believed to be the residence of Duke Otto II of Andechs, the founder of Innsbruck.

The Origins of Ottoburg

The first document that mentioned a building on the site of Ottoburg was from 1476. The tower was originally owned by Emperor Maximilian I, who gave it to Prince Rudolf of Anhalt-Bernburg in 1497. Prince Rudolf was a close friend and advisor of the emperor, and he used the tower as his residence and office. He also hosted many distinguished guests there, such as King Vladislaus II of Bohemia and Hungary, and Cardinal Matthäus Lang von Wellenburg.

After Prince Rudolf’s death in 1510, the tower changed hands several times and had only common owners. The name of the tower also changed over time. It was likely called “Eepurg” between 1565 and 1568, which means “water castle” in Middle High German. In 1628, it was referred to as “öd Burg”, which means “empty castle” in modern German. Later, it became known as “Öttburg”, which is a shortened form of “Ottenburg”.

The name “Ottoburg” emerged towards the end of the 18th century, when a connection was made between the tower and Duke Otto II of Andechs, who was considered to be the founder of Innsbruck. According to legend, Duke Otto II built a bridge over the river Inn in the 12th century, and named the settlement “Ottoburg” after himself. The name later evolved into “Innsbruck”, which means “bridge over the Inn”. However, there is no historical evidence to support this claim, and it is more likely that the name “Ottoburg” was derived from “Öttburg”.

In 1913, the tower was converted into a restaurant, which still operates today. The restaurant offers traditional Tyrolean cuisine and a panoramic view of the old town and the Alps.

The Architecture of Ottoburg

Ottoburg underwent several reconstructions and expansions over the centuries. The original tower was built in 1494/1495, and was later enlarged in 1542. The tower is a four- to five-storey polygonal structure that stands out with its striking corner supported by massive corbels. It was constructed on a corner location above the city wall and used to be connected to the Inntor, the main gate of the old town. However, the Inntor was demolished in 1790, as part of the urban development plan of Emperor Joseph II.

In 1775, an additional third floor was added on top of the existing two upper floors. The gabled roof that we see today was also built during this time. The facade of the tower is divided into sections that protrude and recede, creating a dynamic and varied appearance. The characteristic feature of the wooden shutters is their red-white-red color scheme, which reflects the colors of the Austrian flag. There are a total of 90 shutters on the tower, which can be opened and closed according to the weather and the season.

There are also porches from the 19th and 20th centuries located both in the direction of the Inn and on Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, the main street of the old town. The porches provide access to the restaurant and the apartments that are located inside the tower. The tower also has a small courtyard, where a fountain and a statue of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, can be found.

The interior of the tower has undergone extensive renovations, while still preserving some Gothic cross and star vaults. The restaurant occupies the ground floor and the first floor, and has several dining rooms that are decorated with paintings, antiques, and chandeliers. The second floor and the attic are used as private apartments, which are rented out to guests who want to experience living in a historic tower.

The Significance of Ottoburg

Ottoburg is not only a landmark of Innsbruck, but also a symbol of its history and culture. The tower represents the architectural and artistic achievements of the late Gothic period, as well as the political and social changes that occurred over the centuries. The tower also reflects the influence of the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled Tyrol and Austria for many years. The name of the tower also evokes the legend of Duke Otto II of Andechs, who is regarded as the founder of Innsbruck and the ancestor of many European royal families.

Innsbruck, Austria