Most are actually a bit dissapointed when they finally stand before Innsbruck's landmark – it looks a lot bigger in pictures. Nonetheless the sumptuous oriel is not to be missed, especially when the sun is out and the 2675 copper shindles are shining in all their glory. The intricate frescoes were built in the name of Maximilian I, but thanks to the thriftless ruler, the building project almost went bust before completion. When the sun is not shining too brightly, you can make out reliefs depicting Maximilian with his two wives, shields and hidden clues and symbols in honour of the emperor.

The script behind the dancers however still remains a puzzle, as efforts to decipher what is written haven't yet proven successful. Some claim that it represents the saying,“Use every opportunity, don't miss a single dance in life, as you can't take anything with you”. Others say that the symbols represent notes for the music written for the 'Goldenen Dachl', pretty much the original version the Tyrolean national anthem. For all we know Maximilian may have just enjoyed a good joke.

www.innsbruck.info