Really Playing for Pizza: Hall in Tirol

The well preserved Aldtstat (Old Town) of Hall boasts quiet, quaint streets.

On Saturday afternoon, we caught a quick train - 9 minutes to be exact - northeast to Innsbruck's sister city, Hall. While Innsbruck is the most well known city in the region, having hosted two Olympic games and becoming a modern winter sports mecca, Hall is a little older, a little more quaint, and definitely more well preserved. In fact, centuries ago Hall was a thriving salt-mining town when Innsbruck was merely a brucke (bridge) over the Inn River (yes, hence the name.)

The old town buildings rise quickly as if mimicking the surrounding Alps.

Our trusty guide, Rick Steves of guidebook fame, speaks so highly of Hall that he actually recommends visitors to the region stay here for a more 'authentic' experience. While I disagree with his advice - Innsbruck is far more vibrant - Hall is still a great place to spend an afternoon. We made the 10 minute walk from the train station to the old town, and immediately were swept back into time!

The St. Nicholas Parish Church dominates the skyline. I wonder if this is the "Old Saint Nick" of Christmas lore?

The center of the Old Town is the Oberer Sadtplatz, a cobblestone square bordered by colorful buildings, the town's largest church, and a few restaurants and cafes. It sits at the top of a hill, and has at least 6 different roads leading away from it. We tried to select "the road less traveled" and had a fun time exploring the shops, which included a surprising number of trendy clothing stores.

After a year in Europe, I can easily point out the BAROQUE style of this church. Austrian churches have a distinct look, much different from that of Italy, but equally as impressive. (Yes, George, Catholics do have the best churches...)

The exterior of the church has really cool writing - although I think this description is a sort of Eulogy.

In the 15th century, Hall also became a very important center for minting coins. This was right when currency was beginning to be used, making Hall an important place of business.

The useless piece of knowledge for your next cocktail party is that one of the coins minted in Hall was called the Taler -- which became known in the English language as the Dollar.

A few years ago the town mint was renovated, and now you can visit the ultra modern display at Munze Hall at the Hasegg Castle, just south of the old town near the train station. Unfortunately it was closed, but according to the advertisement outside, you can have the experts their make your own unique coin and print a limited edition set for you. Look out world, the J. Twice Official Football Pregame Coin-Toss Taler is coming your way in Summer 2009!

A window into Austrian daily life, at the Hasegg Castle Mint. Rumor has it the castle also houses a restaurant that serves up 30 different types of Cordon Bleu. And you thought I was running out of useless knowledge!

Dragons make great fountains.

Patriotic windows (matching the Austrian flag) and a cool mosaic, depicting something that happened in the 1600s. Click the picture to enlarge it for a better look!

Sometimes Austrians like to paint with pink.

Spending time in Hall made me appreciate the simplicity of life in Tirol, and helped me get a better understanding for the culture in the region. It was also interesting to note that the town, as it is not 'touristy,' conforms strictly to the tradition of Siesta, shutting down every day between 1 pm and 3:30. Lucky enough for a pair of cold travelers, there was a coffee shop with world class chocolates waiting to serve us!

We stopped for chocolates and cappuccinos at a great little cafe next to the church in the main town square. Again, at 4 pm not eeeempossible! I am starting to get used to this...