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St. James's Cathedral / Innsbruck Cathedral

St. James's Cathedral / Innsbruck Cathedral

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St. Jakob's Cathedral: Baroque splendor in the heart of Innsbruck

The St. James's Cathedral, also known as Innsbruck Cathedral, is one of the most impressive baroque buildings in Tyrol and an important landmark InnsbruckWith its majestic dome and twin towers, the cathedral rises above the old town and attracts both worshippers and art lovers. The interior of the cathedral impresses with its ornate frescoes, statues, and the famous icon of the Virgin Mary, known as "Maria Hilf."

Short info:

Where is it: Domplatz, 6020 Innsbruck
Accessibility: On foot from the old town, nearest stop: Innsbruck Marktplatz (bus, tram)
Highlights: Baroque architecture, frescoes by Cosmas Damian Asam, image of the Virgin Mary “Maria Hilf”, tomb of Maximilian III.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: from 10:15 a.m. Sundays and public holidays: from 12:30 p.m.
Admission: Free admission, donations welcome, guided tours subject to a fee.

history of the cathedral

The current St. James' Cathedral was built in the early 18th century in the Baroque style and is an impressive example of the splendor and elegance of Baroque architecture. The church replaced an older, Gothic building that stood on the same site. Construction lasted from 1717 to 1724, and since then the cathedral has dominated the cityscape of Innsbruck.

The cathedral is particularly famous for the miraculous image “Mary Help”, a painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder, which is located above the high altar. It is one of the most revered images of the Virgin Mary in the German-speaking world and attracts pilgrims from all over Europe. Emperor Maximilian III also found his final resting place in a tomb in the cathedral.

Baroque architecture and works of art

The interior of the cathedral is richly decorated and is considered a masterpiece of the Baroque. Particularly impressive are the ceiling frescoes, which were painted by the famous Bavarian painter Cosmas Damian Asam The frescoes depict scenes from the life of Saint James and other saints and create an impressive illusion of space and movement.

The statues and altars in the cathedral are equally artistically designed, and the high altar with its famous image of the Virgin Mary is a central point of veneration and admiration. The altar itself is a magnificent example of baroque woodcarving, and the combination of gold, marble and colorful frescoes gives the interior a special atmosphere.

The Cathedral Organ

St. Jakob's Cathedral is home to one of the largest and most impressive organs in Austria. The cathedral organ, which was built in 1904 by Matthäus Mauracher, has been restored and expanded several times over the years. Today, the organ is regularly played at church services and concerts and contributes to the cathedral's special acoustics.

events and church services

In addition to its importance as an art-historical jewel, the Innsbruck Cathedral also an active place of worship. Solemn services, weddings and religious celebrations are held here regularly. The Christmas and Easter masses are particularly popular because of their festive atmosphere and musical accompaniment.

The cathedral also offers guided tours where visitors can learn more about the history, architecture and works of art. Organ concerts and classical music performances are also regularly held in the cathedral and are a highlight for music lovers.

A cultural highlight in Innsbruck

The St. James's Cathedral is not only a religious place, but also a cultural and historical attraction in Innsbruck. Whether you want to admire the baroque architecture, attend a church service or marvel at the artistic frescoes - the cathedral offers an impressive experience for every visitor.