The Marktgraben in Innsbruck: From protective wall to shopping mile
The Marktgraben is one of the biggest streets in Innsbruck’s old town, connecting the market square with Maria-Theresien-Straße. It is an important public transport hub and home to numerous shops and restaurants.
The Marktgraben is today one of the busiest main streets in Innsbruck’s city center. It was once a water-filled moat that encircled the entire western side of the medieval old town! It is believed that it was constructed along with the city walls as early as the 13th century. It remained remarkably intact for a long time, but was only filled in in 1765, when the wedding of Archduke Leopold II was celebrated. By that time, it had long since lost its military function and served only as a drainage ditch. The newly created street had various names. It was called Neumarkt and Ursulinengraben , until it was officially named Marktgraben in 1873 .
The Marktgraben (Market Moat) runs from north to south and is a vital thoroughfare in the city center. It begins near the Inn Bridge at the market square in the north. It curves around the old town, where it merges into the Burggraben (Castle Moat) at the intersection of Herzog-Friedrich-Straße and Maria-Theresien-Straße .
What you can see here
Although the Marktgraben is primarily a traffic and shopping street today, it contains some remarkable buildings. Especially at its northern end, where it merges into the old town, there are houses whose foundations still incorporate the old city wall. The Ursuline convent and its associated church, which formerly gave the street its name, are particularly prominent. Otherwise, along the Graben you’ll find mostly administrative and commercial buildings that were constructed or modernized in the late 19th century when the street was widened.
I personally find the Marktgraben particularly attractive during the Christmas season because the lighting in this street is exceptionally beautiful and creates a wonderful atmosphere. You can use the Marktgraben to stroll from the Christmas market on Maria-Theresien-Straße to the Christmas market at the market square.
The central gateway to all hotspots
Just north of the Marktgraben (Market Ditch) is Innsbruck’s market square, a large, open space that is particularly captivating thanks to its spectacular view of the Nordkette mountain range and the historic row of houses of St. Nikolaus on the opposite bank of the Inn River. The Marktgraben’s most important role is as a perfect hub for the city’s main promenades. It’s incredibly convenient! At its southern end, you reach the famous Maria-Theresien-Straße, which leads to the Annasäule (St. Anne ‘s Column ) and the Triumphpforte (Triumphal Arch). To the north, the Marktgraben forms a direct transition to the historic heart of the city, Herzog-Friedrich-Straße . There you’ll find the Stadtturm (City Tower) and the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof). So, you’re essentially walking from the former city limits directly into the medieval center.
Further links
- Things to know about Innsbruck’s old town
- More tips for shopping in Innsbruck
- the best sights in Innsbruck
