At the southern end of the Maria-Theresien-Strasse stands Innsbruck's Triumphal Arch, built in 1765 and carrying on its two faces the dual story of Habsburg joy and grief. The south side, facing toward the Italian Alps, bears decorative reliefs celebrating the imperial wedding; the north side, facing the city, is draped in mourning motifs for the emperor who died during the celebrations.
The arch frames the view down the main street perfectly, and the Maria-Theresien-Strasse itself — the broad pedestrian boulevard lined with Baroque facades and the Annasäule column — is the best place in Innsbruck to watch the city go about its business.