Innsbruck is the capital of the federal state of Tirol in western Austria. Nestled in an Alpine valley, Innsbruck is a favorite destination for skiing in winter and mountaineering in summer. But Innsbruck also makes an attractive choice for the pilgrim, spiritually-inclined traveler, or architecture buff. The city itself has a Baroque cathedral and several historic churches and just a short bus ride away are the two important Catholic shrines of Absam and Seefeld.

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Innsbruck Cathedral

Rebuilt between 1717 and 1724, this cathedral is roofed with domes and features a lavish Baroque interior. The main attraction is the high altar painting of Mary of Succor by Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Hofkirche

The Hofkirche in Innsbruck is a royal mausoleum built in 1553. It contains the ornate black marble tomb of Emperor Maximilian I (although his remains are elsewhere), which is considered a great feat of German Renaissance sculpture.