Just a 15-minute drive from Innsbruck, you'll find a medieval treasure trove: the town of Hall, an ancient city on the banks of the River Inn, was long known for its large-scale salt production, but also for its precious silver mines. In the Middle Ages, these two major assets made it the economic centre of the Tyrol. Later, it was home to one of the first mints, capable of minting coins in large quantities. For this reason, the town is seen as the birthplace of the taler (Slovenia's former currency) and the dollar!
Even today, Hall has lost none of its splendour: its medieval historic centre is as charming as ever, and many tourists flock here. A visit to Hasegg Castle is a must if you want to understand the development of this small town. The castle houses the mint tower and the mint museum, which tell the story of how coins were minted.
Hasegg Castle was completed in the 13th century. At the time, it was a strategic location to provide effective protection for the salt works, i.e. the place where salt was produced. It was also used to keep a close watch on the old salt route and river navigation (the Inn was very busy).
The castle takes its name from the term "Pfannhauseck", which means "corner of the stove building". Originally, Hasegg was located at the corner of a salt-making building used to heat the brine.
Later, in the 15th century, it was extended to house the princely residence. In 1567, Archduke Ferdinand gave the castle new importance by moving the mint there. This was a decisive development for the town of Hall, which gained international renown for its minting of silver thalers. For 400 years, the coin was used throughout Europe!
The dollar and the tolar (Slovenia's former currency before the changeover to the euro) take their name from this ancient currency! Despite its considerable influence, production of Thalers came to an end in 1806, when the Napoleonic wars were raging and financial resources were dwindling.
Innsbruck
The castle houses the Hall Mint Museum. A comprehensive exhibition details the origins of minting, the techniques used and the historical figures who have contributed to the fame of the small town of Hall.
A comprehensive audio guide helps you to understand 500 years of European monetary history, through the fictional figure of "Franz", the keeper of the currency. Visitors agree that the museum's centrepiece is the cylinder press. It is a faithful reproduction of the first machines of this kind made in Europe. A real technical feat for its time, it was capable of producing 4,000 pieces a day.
Other remarkable features of the castle include the world's first thaler. You'll also be impressed by the largest taler ever made, made from 20 kg of silver!
After the museum, the tour continues to the Mint Tower. It will take some effort to climb the 185 steps to the top of the tower, but the reward awaits you at the top: a superb panorama of the Inntal valley and the Karwendel massif. An explanatory video awaits you at the top of the tower on daily life in the Middle Ages, and in a more unusual vein, on the reintroduction of the kestrel! At the end of your visit, you can strike a coin as a souvenir using the balance press.
Innsbruck
