Maria Theresien Street (Maria-Theresien-Strasse)
Innsbruck, Tyrol
Named for the much-revered Empress Maria Theresa, Maria Theresien Street (Maria-Theresien-Strasse) is Innsbruck’s pedestrianized main street, running through the heart of the Old Town. Lined with architectural treasures, a stroll down the street reveals pastel-painted facades, elaborately carved balconies, and beautiful baroque palaces.
Walking tours of Innsbruck’s Old Town all pass down Maria Theresien Street, and the historic boulevard offers endless photo opportunities. Start from the southern end of the street by the Triumphal Arch—the grand entryway to the Old Town, built for the empress in 1765 to mark the death of her husband. Continue north, stopping to admire notable landmarks such as the Federal State Parliament building, St. Anne’s Column, and Palais Trapp, until you reach Innsbruck City Tower (Stadtturm) and the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) at the northern end.
Shoppers will find plenty of souvenir shops and boutiques along Maria Theresien Street, as well as the Kaufhaus Tyrol and Rathauspassage shopping malls.
There is a large number of cafés, restaurants, and bars along the street.
Climb St. Anne’s Column for a great view over Maria Theresien Street and the Golden Roof.
The street is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Maria Theresien Street runs right through the center of Innsbruck Old Town, from Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse in the north to Maximilianstrasse in the south. The only way to explore the street is on foot, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from Innsbruck train station.
Visit Maria-Theresien-Strasse by day to shop and sightsee, or come in the evening hours to admire the illuminations or dine at one of the many restaurants. The street can get incredibly busy in the summer months, and while the crowds add to the atmosphere, plan an early morning visit if you want an unobstructed view for photos. Another popular time to visit is during the festive season, when a lively Christmas market is held in the square at the north end of the street.
At the northern intersection of Maria-Theresien-Strasse and Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse, the Golden Roof is one of Innsbruck’s most famous monuments. Glittering with 2,657 gilded copper tiles, the lavish rooftop is the focal point of the 15th-century New Court (Neuhof) building. Erected in 1500 to celebrate the marriage of Emperor Maximilian I and Bianca Maria Sforza, it’s decorated with intricate carved wooden reliefs and frescoes showing the emperor’s many coats of arms.
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