What is St James’ Cathedral in Innsbruck?
St. James’ Cathedral (Dom zu St. Jakob) is an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece and the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Innsbruck. Built 1717-1724 on the site of a 12th-century Romanesque church, it was designed by architect Johann Jakob Herkomer to replace an earthquake-damaged predecessor.
The cathedral is dedicated to St. James the Greater (son of Zebedee) and sits as part of the ancient Way of St. James pilgrimage route. Its twin green-domed bell towers and large central dome dominate the Old Town skyline against the backdrop of the Karwendel Alps.
Five great things to do in Innsbruck
- 🚵 Explore the Alpine villages on an ebike tour.
- 🍽️ Take a traditional food tour and indulge in classic Tyrolean dishes.
- 🪂 Fly over the Stubai Valley on a tandem paragliding adventure.
- 🏰 Take a private day tour to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle.
- 🎶 Embrace the cheese at a Tyrolean folk show.
What to See
The interior
The cathedral’s interior is a classic dose Baroque splendour with heavy pillars forming recurring triumphal arch motifs. Three domed vaults span the nave, with a high dome casting light over the choir. The ceiling features false saucer domes of wood with concave mouldings.
Maria Hilf painting
The cathedral’s greatest treasure hangs above the marble high altar: Lucas Cranach the Elder‘s Maria Hilf (Mary of Succour), painted around 1530. Originally from Dresden, it was gifted to Archduke Leopold V and arrived in Innsbruck in 1650 through Archduke Ferdinand Charles.
This image of the Madonna and Child is among the most venerated Marian paintings in the Alps and Christendom, making the cathedral a major pilgrimage site.
Ceiling frescoes
Renowned artist Cosmas Damian Asam created four ceiling frescoes (completed 1722-1724) celebrating St. James’ life. The main dome shows St. James as a heavenly general leading Spanish Christians against the Moors. Other scenes depict him pointing to a Marian altar, interceding for suffering humanity, and serving as intercessor for Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria, and the Catholic Church. The stuccowork by his brother Egid Quirin Asam complements the frescoes.
Side altars
Six large side altars (three per side) were donated by brotherhoods and private donors. Notable works include paintings by Johann Georg Dominikus Grasmair showing St. Sebastian (patron protector against plague, especially venerated in Tyrol) and St. John of Nepomuk (Tyrol’s second patron saint). A 1673 Baroque painting by Egid Schor depicts St. Philip Neri before the Virgin Mary.
Tomb of Archduke Maximilian III
The cathedral houses a canopied bronze mausoleum from 1620 honoring Archduke Maximilian III (died 1618), Grand Master of the German Order of Knights. Designed by Hubert Gerhard and completed by Caspar Gras, it’s considered one of the most important early Baroque mausoleums. Four spiral columns entwined with vines and animals support the superstructure.
The bells and organ
The cathedral features 57 bells with a combined weight of 4,100 kilograms — the largest peace bell collection in Austria. The “Mariahilferglocke,” Tyrol’s second-largest bell, was cast at Innsbruck’s historic Grassmayr Bell Foundry in 1846. The peace bells ring daily at noon. The organ in the west gallery has 3,729 pipes and 57 registers.
Practical Information
Hours & admission
Visitor Hours (May 2 – October 26):
- Monday-Saturday: 10:15 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday/holidays: 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Visitor Hours (October 27 – May 1):
- Monday-Saturday: 10:15 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday/holidays: 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Important: Entry prohibited during Mass and services. The cathedral is primarily a working church.
Admission: FREE (donations appreciated)
Photo License: €1 (approximately $1.15) to photograph the interior
Why book the Innsbruck Card for sightseeing and transport?
- Free access to top attractions: Visit museums, historic sites and landmarks in Innsbruck without paying individual entrance fees.
- Free public transport included: Use buses and trains within the city at no extra cost, making it easier to get around.
- Flexible duration options: Choose a 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour pass to match your travel schedule.
- Save time and money: One pass covers many things — great for first-time visitors wanting convenience and value.
- Easy digital format: Use the card on your phone — no need to print any tickets or vouchers.
Location & access
Domplatz 6, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Location: North of Old Town center, short walk from Maria-Theresien-Straße
Accessibility
Partially accessible. Large entrance doors accessible via metal ramp (slightly steeper than six degrees). Doors are heavy but wheelchair access is generally possible. Contact cathedral for assistance if needed.
Visit duration
Typical visit: 20-30 minutes
Mass schedule
Sundays and public holidays:
- 8:00 AM
- 9:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
- 7:00 PM
Weekdays: Services vary; check cathedral website or call ahead
Feast Day: July 25 (St. James the Greater) – Special services and festivities
Contact
Phone: +43 512 583 902
Email: [email protected]
Nearby attractions
- Hofkirche (Court Church): 3-minute walk
- Hofburg (Imperial Palace): 5-minute walk
- The Golden Roof: 5-minute walk
- City Tower (Stadtturm): Short walk
- Maria-Theresien-Straße: Close by
Tips for visitors
- Visit during visitor hours (not during services) for uninterrupted viewing
- Purchase €1 photo license if you want interior photos
- Don’t miss the Maria Hilf painting above the high altar
- Look for the ornate Maximilian III tomb in the north aisle
- Time your visit to hear the peace bells ring at noon
- Dress appropriately (shoulders and knees covered)
- Visit morning hours to avoid crowds
- Check for organ concerts or special musical performances
- Combine with nearby Hofkirche and Hofburg for a full Habsburg history experience
- Free admission makes this an excellent budget-friendly attraction
- The exterior is best photographed from Domplatz square
Why visit
St. James’ Cathedral is one of the Tyrol’s most significant Baroque buildings and deserves recognition alongside the more famous Hofkirche. The Asam brothers’ frescoes and stuccowork represent Baroque artistry at its finest, while Lucas Cranach the Elder’s Maria Hilf painting is one of the most venerated Marian images in the Christian world. The cathedral successfully balances artistic grandeur with active religious life—it’s not just a museum but a living church central to Innsbruck’s Catholic community.
The free admission, central location, and relatively quick visit make it perfect for travelers with limited time who still want to experience Tyrolean Baroque splendour. The dramatic setting—two green-domed towers rising against the Karwendel Alps—provides iconic Innsbruck photo opportunities.
More Innsbruck travel
Other Innsbruck travel articles include:
- Is the Bergisel ski jump in Innsbruck worth the entry fee?
- The incredible range of strudels at Innsbruck’s Kroll café.
- A practical guide to the Innsbruck Alpine Zoo.
- Visiting the world’s oldest existing museum at Schloss Ambras.
- What to expect at Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
