Ambras Castle

The castle complex consists of distinct sections including the Upper Castle, the oldest part, and the Lower Castle. The Spanish Hall, built between 1569 and 1572, is considered one of the most important freestanding halls of the Renaissance. It is a 43-meter long hall dominated by 27 full-length portraits of the princely rulers of Tyrol. The Lower Castle houses the museum rooms designed by Ferdinand II, including the three Armouries and the Chamber of Art and Wonders, constructed according to the most advanced ideas of his time.

The Lower Castle contains armouries featuring masterpieces of the European armourers' art from the time of Emperor Ferdinand II. The Chamber of Art and Wonders houses important works of European artists, including the carved 'little death' made of wood. The Spanish Hall displays the 27 full-length portraits of the princely rulers of Tyrol. The collections were originally designed as a museum, preserving these items as a unified ensemble of art and wonders.

Archduke Ferdinand II's idea of a museum was a novelty, as the rooms were designed and used as a museum from the beginning. The Spanish Hall is a key example of Renaissance architecture and hosts classical concerts today. In cultural historical terms, the castle is highly significant, evidenced by its subject matter on one of the best-known famous silver collectors' coins. The site remains a federal museum of the Republic of Austria, preserving the legacy of the Habsburg patronage.