Annasaule

Standing 13 metres high on Maria-Theresien-Strasse against a backdrop of old buildings and snowy mountains, St. Anne’s Column, or the Annasäule, is featured in many of the classic postcard shots of Innsbruck. Apart from being an iconic monument, the four carved figures of the saints and the cherubs that adorn the column warrant a closer look, as does the attractive natural pattern of the red marble.

In 1703, on 26th July (St. Anne’s Day) the Tyroleans drove out the invading Bavarians for what they hoped would be the last time. To commemorate this historic event, the Italian architect Cristoforo Benedetti was commissioned to design the Corinthian column which was blessed on St. Anne’s Day three years later, and still stands today.

If you walk up to the base of the column, you’ll see the detailed carvings of the four saints. St. Anne is joined here by St. George, who is a patron saint of Tyrol, St. Cassian and St. Vigius, and each of the four look out in the directions of the four compass points. The top of the column is adorned by a statue of the Virgin Mary.

It’s really no surprise that this has become such a favourite postcard shot. At the very bottom of your gaze is the great snowy peak of Mount Hafelekar rising up into the Alpine range and leading out to the mountains is the beautiful wide boulevard lined with old buildings such as the Rathaus, or Town Hall, and, a little further down the street, the Trumphpforte, Innsbruck’s very own Arc de Triomphe. The grassy patch at the foot of the column has become a hot-spot for picnics and people coming to relax and enjoy the view down the boulevard to the mountains.

St. Anne’s Column is situated south of the town centre, within easy walking distance from other sights in Innsbruck. It can be visited at any time of day or night as it is always open, and it is a free attraction. You’d be ill-advised to drive here as there is usually a lot of traffic here and nowhere obvious to park.