Ambras Palace is delightfully located above Innsbruck and is one of the city´s most noteworthy attractions. The Castle was built by Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria (1529-1595), Count of Tirol, in the 16th century. It´s divided into a lower and an upper castle set in the remains of a medieval fortress. This was Ferdinand´s favorite residence and the center of his court´s cultural life.
The lower castle was planned and constructed by the Archduke as a museum for his various collections, including arms and armor, art, and books, all of which can be seen today. The Wunderkammer (Gallery of Wonders) contains a display of exotic objects like coral, ivory, a rhinoceros´ horn and other artifacts brought back to Europe by the early explorers. The upper part of the palace houses the Habsburg´s Portrait Gallery, an awe-inspiring collection of works by the likes of Lukas Cranach, Anton Mor, Tizian, Van Dyck and Diego Velásquez. The Castle´s most striking and precious feature is the George´s Altar of Emperor Maximilian I. Comprehensive information, opening hours, entrance fees and special exhibitions you'll find here: