Church built in 1553-63 to house the cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian I, surrounded by 28 oversized bronze statues known as the Schwarze Mander. The tomb of Tyrolean freedom fighter Andreas Hofer is in the same church.
The Hofkirche, or Court Church, at Universitätsstrasse 2 in Innsbruck, Tyrol, was built between 1553 and 1563 on the orders of Emperor Ferdinand I to hold the grand tomb monument of his grandfather, Emperor Maximilian I. Maximilian planned the monument during his lifetime, but he is not actually buried in it: he lies in Wiener Neustadt, and the black marble cenotaph in Innsbruck is an empty memorial. The tomb is topped by a kneeling bronze figure of the emperor and its sides carry 24 marble relief panels illustrating events of his life, many carved by Alexander Colin of Mechelen.
Around the cenotaph stand 28 oversized bronze figures known as the Schwarze Mander, or Black Men, representing ancestors, relatives and role models of the Habsburg dynasty, including King Arthur and Theodoric. Some were cast by Peter Vischer of Nuremberg to designs associated with Albrecht Dürer, and others come from the workshop of Gilg Sesselschreiber. The church is a hall church in late Gothic and Renaissance style, with a Renaissance organ from 1558 that is among the oldest playable instruments of its kind in Europe, and a silver chapel built for Archduke Ferdinand II and his wife Philippine Welser.
A second historical layer is the tomb of Andreas Hofer, the innkeeper who led the Tyrolean militia against Bavarian and French forces in 1809. He was executed in Mantua in 1810 and his remains were brought to the Hofkirche in 1823. The church is administered by the Tiroler Landesmuseen and is presented as a museum, with a mostly self-guided approach and information panels. The monument has undergone conservation campaigns to protect the bronzes, which remain in good condition.
| Admission | About EUR 8 (~$9); included in the Innsbruck Card |
|---|---|
| Hours | Generally Monday-Saturday 9:00-17:00, Sunday afternoon only (verify at tiroler-landesmuseen.at) |
| Address | Universitätsstrasse 2, 6020 Innsbruck |
Why it matters
The Hofkirche was built in 1553-63 by Emperor Ferdinand I to house the monumental cenotaph of his grandfather Maximilian I. It is also the burial place of Andreas Hofer, the leader of the 1809 Tyrolean uprising.
Location
Universitätsstrasse 2, 6020 Innsbruck
47.2684, 11.3953 View on map
Highlights
- Maximilian I's black marble cenotaph with kneeling bronze emperor
- The 28 Schwarze Mander bronze statues
- 24 marble relief panels of Maximilian's life
- Tomb of Andreas Hofer and the Silver Chapel
Tips for visiting
- Look for the statues of King Arthur and Theodoric, regarded as among the finest bronzes.
- A combined ticket with the Volkskunstmuseum next door is available.
- The Renaissance organ is sometimes used in concerts, so check the programme.
- The Innsbruck Card includes entry.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. Midday groups can make the nave crowded in summer.
Accessibility
The church is largely on one level, but historic floors and thresholds can be uneven. Check with the Tiroler Landesmuseen for current arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Maximilian actually buried in the Hofkirche?
No. The cenotaph is empty, and Maximilian I is buried in Wiener Neustadt.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend about 30 to 45 minutes.
Is the church suitable for children?
Yes, the large bronze figures tend to interest children.