Innsbruck

The "Goldene Dachl"

( The little Golden Roof )

Is"the" landmark building of Innsbruck.

Emperor Maximilian I had the balcony of the in 1500 AD erected building

covered with over 2,600 fire gilded copper shingles.

He and his newly acquired wife, Bianca Maria Sforza

were thereby able to view games and performances held on the street below

from this noble platform.

The story goes, and it surely is only a story, 

that Maximilian's life style 

had caused serious financial difficulties for the treasury, 

and that he was, in fact, broke.

In order to prove this rumor wrong, 

he had this little roof covered with golden shingles.

Whereupon the people said: If he was not broke before, 

he surely is now.!

From this building, the "Golden Eagle Hotel", in the year 1809

the famous fighter for the Freedom and Liberty of the Tirol

spoke to his countrymen, calling them to arms

against the occupying French under Napoleon and their ally, the Bavarians.

Finally, Andreas was betrayed by one of his own.

He had to flee and after his arrest the French executed him in 

the City of Mantua, Italy.

To this day, Andreas Hofer is considered and venerated 

as an Austrian Freedom Fighter and Patriot.

A view from Innsbruck onto the mountain chain, called

the "Hafelekar."