Stadtturm

Historic city tower, reaching 51 m height, and visitors can climb the 148 steps for a fee to reach the viewing platform at 31 m which rewards for the effort with a view over the historic city (Altstadt). It is a Gothic tower with a quadrangular substructure and consists of 6 floors. Above the viewing platform sits a narrower octagonal structure with 4 semicircular bay windows and a large dome roof. It was constructed between 1442 and 1450 at the old town hall to reflect the increased self-confidence of Innsbruckers in their defensive capabilities, with watchmen manning the tower day and night. The first documented tower guard took service in 1529 by order of the city council, and warned the townspeople in times of fire, assaults, or other dangers. The room at the ground floor has been used for watchmen meetings as late as 1951. During the Middle Ages, the lower area of the tower also served as city prison, and the barred windows on the first 2 floors are remnants of that function. The original Gothic tower was renovated, enhanced and rebuilt several times. Most notably in 1586, 4 wrought-iron gargoyles were added as decorations. The clock was added in 1603 by Erasmus Melchior.

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