Imperial Palace (Hofburg)

Imperial Palace (Hofburg) Review

One of Innsbruck's most historic attractions is the Hofburg, or Imperial Palace, which Maximilian I commissioned in the 15th century. Center stage is the Giant's Hall —designated a marvel of the 18th century as soon as it was topped off with its magnificent trompe-l'oeil ceiling painted by Franz Anton Maulpertsch in 1775. The Rococo decoration and the portraits of Habsburg ancestors in the ornate white-and-gold great reception hall were added in the 18th century by Maria Theresa; look for the portrait of "Primal" (primrose)—to use the childhood nickname of the empress's daughter, Marie-Antoinette. The booklet in English available at the ticket office will tell you more interesting tidbits about the palace than the tour guide.