Schloss Ambras (Ambras Castle) enjoys commanding views over Innsbruck and beyond from its hillside position. The current splendour reflects the Renaissance tastes of one of the sons of the Austrian emperor, and this castle and palace has been lovingly preserved as an outstanding tourist destination.
There has been a castle on this site since the 10th century, although this was destroyed in 1133 during regional struggles. The building remained in ruins until Archduke Ferdinand II, son of Austrian Emperor Ferdinand I, commissioned two Italian architects to build a sumptuous palace on the site. In later years, external features such as an English garden were added, but the glorious design of Ferdinand’s original palace has been restored for visitors today.
The Spanish Hall is the jewel in the castle’s crown. This intricately decorated space is widely considered one of the most artistically significant halls of its time. Let your gaze drift from the delicate carvings on the wooden ceiling, down past the painted panels featuring noblemen in all their splendour, to the geometric tiles on the floor.
As well as being a work of art in its own right, the castle is home to many historically and culturally interesting artefacts. The range of sixteenth-century weapons and suits of armour on display in the Chambers of Armour are a testament to Archduke Ferdinand’s interest in jousting and duelling – look closely and you’ll see the dents that show that these were not just decorative! The Chamber of Art and Curiosities houses oddities that would have been exotic wonders to the sixteenth-century inhabitants of this palace, such as rhino horn goblets and coral decoration.
Head to the Upper Castle and you will come face to face with the Habsburg dynasty who ruled Austria for many years. The impressive portrait gallery contains around 300 portraits of the rulers of Austria from the 15th to the 19th centuries. A walk through the peacock-filled gardens offers spectacular views of the River Inn and Innsbruck itself.
Ambras Castle is located about 20 minutes southeast of central Innsbruck. The sightseer bus runs a regular service to the castle, as does the cheaper town bus service. The castle is open daily.
