Ambras Castle

Towering up over the city from the Tyrolean foothills, Ambras Castle is a truly jaw-dropping sight. Once upon a time this formidable edifice was a place of residence for Austrian royals and much of the age-old grandeur of the building has been preserved in the museum which it houses today. As you stroll past the splendidly ornamented Spanish Hall you’ll really feel like you’ve wandered into another century.

Today’s Ambras Castle was built in the 16th century on the site of an old 10th-century fortress that was destroyed in 1133. Archduke Ferdinand II, having commissioned the building, proceeded to transform it into the opulent palace it is today.

The Spanish Hall can stand alone as a symbol of this opulence. From the striking geometric tiling on the floor to the spectacular wood-inlay ceiling, you really have the sense that you have been transported back into a Renaissance royal court. Your visit will be supervised by the full-figure portraits of past Tyrolean rulers that line the 43-metre long hall. Classical music concerts are often held here, and you can find out about these at the entrance.

Ferdinand II was an avid jouster and in the Lower Castle's Armour Hall you'll find evidence of this. As the name suggests, this hall exhibits suits of armour worn by knights, including Ferdinand II’s personal suits. If you take a closer look you'll notice scrapes and dents and other traces of fighting – these are genuine!

The Chamber of Arts and Curiosities displays a jumble of odds and ends that have been collected from around the world. In the collection you'll find a profusion of random objects, such as a coral crucifix and a rhino-horn goblet – certainly worth a look.

After walking around the castle’s halls, you might like to step into the gardens for some down time. Peruse the grounds accompanied by the resident peacocks and admire the views over the River Inn.

Ambras Castle is open every day and there’s a small entrance charge. It’s only a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre, either on the sightseeing bus or on the cheaper local bus.