History of Innsbruck

Myths, legends, history?

Every community needs a meaningful story. Every story needs a starting point. Historical accuracy is less important than the unifying aspect that it represents for a community. That is why the history of the USA begins with the Declaration of Independence, France with the Revolution, Rome with Romulus' fratricide of Remus and modern Berlin with the fall of the Berlin Wall.

But when did Innsbruck get its start? From time to time, the history of the city begins with the founding of Castel Veldidena. It is often forgotten that the Romans did not place their fortifications in a deserted area. Fortunately, the previous inhabitants left behind no written evidence, only remains such as the cult site of Goldbühel near Igls. The fact that the Romans, just like their predecessors, were not baptised Christians weighs negatively against Veldidena as the starting point of the town's history. Who would want to attribute their identity-forming founding myth to a military camp of a polytheistic occupying power with a foreign language? The foundation of the marketplace on the site of today's Mariahilf / St Nicholas by the Counts of Andechs a good 1000 years later is somewhat more suitable. After all, they were sincere Christians who cultivated the customs of the northern edge of the Alps and spoke German. However, as befits a self-proclaimed cosmopolitan city like Innsbruck, the market lacked city walls. It is no longer possible to say when these were built. What can be proven is the confirmation of the city charter in 1239, or was the real Innsbruck, which is now appreciated by locals and tourists, only created under the Habsburgs? Friedl mit der leeren TascheMaximilian, Ferdinand and Leopold? With Maria Theresa and Andreas Hofer, two more figures were added in the 19th century, who have become part of every Innsbrucker's school curriculum and have contributed to the city's myth to this day.

However, the history of Innsbruck does not stop in 1809, on the contrary. Today's Innsbruck is characterised above all by the development from the middle of the 19th century onwards. Away from the churches, palazzi and monuments, Innsbruck's peripheral areas are full of places that bear witness to this period. They tell of the expansion of the city, bourgeois emancipation, social changes and the major conflicts of the 20th century. Often these places are hardly known, have no signposts and are not on the maps in the travel guides. It is astonishing that an Andreas Hofer, whose troops attacked the city during their "Liberation" were fired upon and plundered by the Bavarian troops, while the members of the Operation Greenupwho, with their efforts in 1945, enabled a peaceful handover of the city of Innsbruck to the Allies and saved Innsbruck from bloody battles.

The excerpts, legends and stories collected here are intended to collect and categorise the popular myths as well as provide tourists and Innsbruck residents with new stories and perspectives.