Igls

Goldbichl

One of the most important archaeological sites in Tyrol, Goldbichl is a 1064 m tall hill which was used as a place of worship in the Bronze Age. The oldest finds at the site are flint arrowheads from the Neolithic period, originating from Verona, and proving that long distance trade was possible in that era. The hill gained importance in the Bronze age, 4 millennia ago, when sacrificial fires were lighted on altars made of clay and stone, which were visible from afar in the Stubai Valley looking out over the deforested hill. Remains of residences and gardens were found on the northern side of the hill, built on terraces separated from the religious sites by ramparts. The terraces are still recognizable today, although the hill has been reforested since Roman times. Interestingly, the grave of a young woman, buried here after her cremation, has been uncovered. The grave made news headlines because of the numerous ceramic artifacts and other funerary objects found along the scorched skeleton. The location of her grave suggests she might have been a priestess. The Bronze Age site existed until the 16th century BC. In the Iron Age, around 600 BC, the site found renewed interest and underwent expansion with fortifications such as walls and palisades. Evidence suggests that the site became the center of a settlement, and sporting competitions were organized around the sacrificial fires. Goldbichl remained important until the Alps were conquered by the Romans between 100 and 15 BC, and all the heathen facilities were destroyed. The site can be visited, and in 2006 an archaeological trail was constructed which leads up to the summit from the northeastern side, ca. 15-min walk.

Open now · open 24 hours·Free

Heiligwasser Pilgrimage Church

Heiligwasserkirche

The Heiligwasser (literally "Holy Water" in German) pilgrimage is on the slope of the Patscherkofel mountain at an altitude of 1234 m, following a path of 10 chapels of which 5 remain. According to the legend, an angel appeared to 2 peasants searching for lost cattle in 1606, and showed them the way to a spring where they found their cattle. In return, the angel commanded a chapel to be built next to the spring, an undertaking completed by the bishop of Brixen. The site soon became a destination for pilgrims, and in 1661 a church was built to replace the chapel, in which a first religious service was held a year later. Halfway the 18th century, the church was expanded with a side chapel, and buildings around the church were constructed to accommodate the needs of pilgrims, who attribute healing effects to the spring's water. Of particular interest is the churches 3-sided choir with hexagonal choir tower and typical onion shaped roof. The portal is decorated with a fresco from 1743. The ceiling frescoes were added in 1945 by Hans Andre. The Baroque high altar dates from the first half of the 15th century but was stolen in 1971 and replaced with its current copy.

Free

Pfarrkirche

Parish Church Igls

Former Romanesque parish church consecrated in 1286, and rebuilt in a late Gothic style in the 15th century. In 1705 it was once again rebuilt in a Baroque style.

Wed Fri 17:30-18:30, Tue Thu 19:00-20:00·Free