Maria-Theresien Street and the Anna Column

Maria-Theresien Street and the Anna Column

Attraction Introduction

　   Maria-Theresien Street is the oldest and most bustling street in Innsbruck, as well as a luxury shopping street. This north-south street is lined with exquisitely decorated classical buildings, and at its end lies a mountain peak over 2,300 meters above sea level, while the most famous landmark along the street is the Anna Column (Annasaeule), located in the middle section.

The Anna Column is a symbol of Innsbruck’s mountain city. This serene and peaceful column commemorates a historical conflict. In 1706, representatives of the privileged estates in the Tyrolean Diet jointly funded the construction of this column to mark the withdrawal of Bavarian troops from Innsbruck in 1703.

The column was built on July 26, which also happened to be St. Anna’s name day, hence the name of the memorial column. The Anna Column is made of red marble, featuring a Corinthian-style capital adorned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, who gazes solemnly toward the distant snow-capped mountains. The base of the column also displays statues of the patron saints of Tyrol and other holy figures.

  Innsbruck, Austria