Innsbruck

Michael and I went to Europe two weeks ago and we had a total blast! For our first day, we were in Paris and then we flew to Innsbruck for the UCI World Championships Road Race. Michael does road racing and seeing the UCI World Champs has always been a dream of his, so we made it happen! If you want to see more on my trip, check out my instagram highlights here. 

Innsbruck is so beautiful. It is like a prettier and cuter version of Park City. It is surrounded by monstrous mountains and has the prettiest architecture. On our first day, we watched the woman's race in the city. It was pretty cool seeing these bikes race by the beautiful buildings and the river.

Watching the men's road race on the second day there was super fun because we had to climb up into the mountains and to see some of the fun areas of the race with hills. Before going to Innsbruck, Michael and I watched Sound of Music (childhood favorite) and I had the songs stuck in my head the entire time were were there (not mad about it).

While we were up in the hills watching the race, we had some extra time and so we stopped by Ambras Castle. The art historian in me couldn't pass up an opportunity to see the "oldest art museum". Ambras Castle is a beautiful Renaissance castle that is closely related to Archduke Ferdinand II, who was  a big collector of art. He had an interesting museum of art & curiosities, which contains the oldest collection of Asian art acquired by Europeans. He also had portraits of strange people (see below). 

My favorite part of the castle was the Spanish Hall. This beautiful hall has the the most intricate wood ceiling and is lined with the portraits of the rulers of Tyrol. It is truly magnificent and the colors are just gorgeous. The portrait style is not my favorite, but the hall wouldn't be as beautiful without the artwork. 

I had to have Michael take some pictures of me outside too because the weather was so beautiful and I loved the details everywhere in the castle. So crazy that it was built so long ago. I love the use of grisaille in the courtyard. Grisaille is the when the artist uses monochromatic colors to imitate sculpture in their paintings, and you can see that in the courtyard. 

Don't you just love the beautiful green to red vines next to that bright red bannister? It is so beautiful! 

I honestly need to smile more in my pictures, cause I really don't look like I am enjoying myself! So moody looking in that photo, haha! While I look displeased, I absolutely loved Ambras Castle and Innsbruck! I am happy we made it happen!

xoxo

Caroline