Stams Abbey

It is a Cistercian Abbey founded in the 13th century. It is one of the most beautiful and opulent religious sites in the region of Tyrol.

About this building

It is one of the most beautiful religious complexes in Tyrol as it was originally constructed to become the gravesite of the Counts of Tyrol. Its interior is richly adorned with ceilings decorated with marvellous stuccowork and frescoes.

The monastic community decayed during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, after its period of greatest splendour.

The abbey also runs a distillery, and its spirits, liqueurs, ciders and cider vinegar can be purchased at the monastery shop. Guided tours are also offered to tourists willing to know the history of the abbey and its buildings.

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments
  • Interior features

Other nearby buildings

Flickr/Aris Jansons

Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit

First mentioned in the 12th century, this church used to appear just outside the gates of Innsbruck, as it used to be attached to a hospital. The hospital no longer exists, but the church remains. Its modern appearance comes from the 18th century after being completely renovated and redesigned. It suffered damage during the Second World War and was renewed in the 1960s.

Wikimedia Commons/Dnalor 01

Cathedral of Innsbruck

The Cathedral of Innsbruck was first mentioned in 1180, but the church dating from this period was destroyed by an earthquake in 1689. Between 1717 and 1724, a new building was constructed in the Baroque style according to the plans of Johann Jakob Herkomer and Johann Georg Fischer. In 1944, the church was damaged by Allied bombing. In 1964, the diocese of Innsbruck was established, raising the parish church to the status of a cathedral.

Wikimedia Commons/Michielverbeek

Hofkirche

Translated in English as the "Court Church" this is a church built by Emporer Ferdinand I in the 16th century as a dedication to his grandfather, Emporer Maximillian I. It houses a cenotaph dedicated to Emporer Maximillian which is surrounded by ornate statues from the German Renaissance. It also houses the tomb of Andreas Hofer, a Tyrolean hero during the Napoleonic wars.