Ambras Castle is the former seat of the Dukes of Inssbruck. It is a gothic defensive structure, later rebuilt into a Renaissance residence. It has an internal courtyard decorated with frescoes. Inside, rooms decorated with stucco and murals have survived, including the Spanish Hall. Currently, art and weapon collections are presented here.
The castle was built in the 10th century, but nothing has survived from the original building. It was destroyed in the mid-twelfth century. In the following centuries, the Gothic fortress built in its place gradually lost its defensive features. From the mid-seventeenth century, it was used as a barracks and Lazaret. Currently, it houses a museum.
The castle wings surround the courtyard, which is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance courtyards in Austria. The walls of the buildings are covered with paintings attributed to Heinrich Teufel. Various shades of gray were used here, thanks to which the whole looks like a three-dimensional relief. The paintings depict biblical, court and mythological scenes, as well as floral motifs. Inside, collections formerly owned by the princes of Innsbruck are presented. There is one of the largest weapons collections in Austria, a portrait gallery and a cabinet of curiosities.
Attractions inside
