Feldkirch -> Stams, Innsbruck -> Salzburg

We left the hotel in Feldkirch at 8.30 and drove through magnificent mountains and into the Tyrol on our way to Stams. Although this is May, there is plenty of snow around higher up and trip through the mountains offers magnificent views



The Cistercian abbey was of Stams was founded in 1273. There is evidence of a church before that in a about 700 AD. It is unlike other Cistercian abbeys that we have seeen in France, which have been large and uncluttered. This one was restored in the 16th century in the baroque style. It ceased to be a religious institution during the Second World War, but has since been restored to the Cistercian order and is now a school as well as a monestry.

The Abbey and some details.


The church and a window, cloisters and a staircase.



Looking out from the monestry towards the mountains.


We left Stams and continued towards Innsbruck and lunch, before a tour of Innsbruck on foot and in our bus.

Earliest mentions of Innsbruck are in the 12th century when a bridge was built and it rose to importance because of its proximity to the Brenner Pass. Today it is noted for the winter sports, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice.

The baroque cathedral of St James was built in the 18th century, replacing churches of the 12th, 14th, 15th and 16th centuries (damaged by fire and earthquakes etc, etc). It is one of the churches on the route to St Jaques de Compostelle.

Details of the altar



The pulpit with some details


Ceiling details


Details in the street


- Pat and John on tour