Town Hall Tower

The Town Hall Tower, or Stadtturm, is a historical landmark in the old town of Innsbruck, Austria. It was built in the 15th century as part of the city hall and served as a lookout point for guards and a prison. The tower is 51 meters tall and has a viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can visit the tower daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (or 8:00 pm in summer) and climb the 148 steps to the top. The entrance fee is 4.50 euros for adults and 2.00 euros for children. The tower is located on Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse 21, near the famous Golden Roof. The tower is a symbol of the self-confidence and civic pride of the people of Innsbruck.

The Architecture of the Tower

The Town Hall Tower is situated at Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse 21, slightly protruding from the row of houses that line the street. The tower has a total height of 51 meters, but the viewing platform is located at a height of 31 meters. To access the platform, you have to go through the historic town hall and climb 148 steps within the tower. The platform has an iron railing that allows you to enjoy the scenic view of the city and the Alps.

The tower has a massive quadrangular substructure that is comprised of six floors and is divided into three zones. These zones are clearly delimited by coffee cornices, which are decorative elements that resemble coffee beans. Above the substructure is a narrower, octagonal structure with four semi-circular oriels, which are windows that project from the wall. The octagonal structure is topped by a large onion dome with a lantern, which is a small structure that crowns the dome. The onion dome is a characteristic feature of the Renaissance style, which was popular in the 16th century.

The entire tower, including the cornices and consoles, is constructed using Höttinger breccia, also known as Nagelfluh, which is a type of conglomerate rock that is found in the nearby Hötting district. The octagonal top of the tower is covered with plaster, which gives it a smooth and uniform appearance. The tower also has a clock, which was built by Erasmus Melchior in 1603, and four wrought-iron gargoyles fashioned in the shape of dolphins, which were added in 1586.

The History and Significance of the Tower

The Town Hall Tower was added to the old town hall between 1442 and 1450, during the reign of Frederick IV, the Duke of Austria. The tower is considered a landmark of Innsbruck, along with the Golden Roof and the Anna Column, which are also located in the historic center. The tower is a symbol of the growing self-confidence and autonomy of the citizens of Innsbruck, who were often in conflict with the feudal lords and the church. The tower also served as a watchtower and a prison for the city.

The tower had tower guards who were responsible for maintaining security and order in the city. The tower guards worked in shifts, day and night, and had various duties, such as announcing the time, ringing the bells, lighting the lanterns, and alerting the townspeople about fires or other dangers. The first tower guard mentioned in a document was assigned in 1529 by the city council. The last tower guard served until 1967, when the tower was automated.

The lower section of the tower functioned as a prison for the city during the Middle Ages. The prison cells were located on the first two floors, which have barred windows that can still be seen today. The prisoners were mostly petty criminals, debtors, or political opponents. The prison was abolished in 1785, when Emperor Joseph II ordered the closure of all city prisons.

The tower room, located beneath the tower dwelling, has been utilized for literary gatherings of the Turmbund since 1951. The Turmbund is an association of writers and artists that was founded in 1908. The tower room hosts readings, lectures, exhibitions, and other cultural events that are open to the public.

The Tower Today

The Town Hall Tower is open to visitors from Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee is 4.50 euros for adults, 2.50 euros for children, and 9 euros for families. The tower also offers guided tours for groups, which can be booked in advance. The tower is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to experience the history and culture of Innsbruck. The tower also offers a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings, as well as a glimpse of the life of the tower guards and the prisoners who once inhabited the tower. The Town Hall Tower is not only a beautiful architectural monument, but also a living testimony of Innsbruck’s past and present.

Innsbruck, Austria