The town of Hall in Tyrol lies to the east of Innsbruck and, in terms of area, is one of the largest medieval towns in Western Austria. The town lies on the edge of a debris cone deposited by the stream flowing from the Hall Valley. This also explains the strikingly steep topography of the historic centre. The town’s origins are closely linked to medieval salt mining in the Hall Valley. The name ‘Hall’ – derived from the Old High German word ‘hal’ (salt) – refers to the former salt production and still serves as a reminder today of this once-important industry that contributed to the town’s prosperity.

It’s the same in Hall: as you stroll through the old streets, you come across some rather odd names. They tell all sorts of stories.

This alley forms part of the town’s oldest settlement and was only renamed about a hundred years ago. The original name, ‘Marktgasse’, was the main thoroughfare until 1770. At that time, many taverns lined the street. House No. 14 was the ‘Ballhaus’, where merchants’ bales of goods were stored before being reloaded onto carts. The houses on the north side of the alley extend right up to the change in level; steps lead up to Pfarrplatz.

This alley is named after the old guild. Like Salvatorgasse, Schmiedgasse is also part of the town’s oldest settlement area. Here, one smithy stood next to another. Horses passing through needed new shoes, or wheels needed repairing, for example. Time seems to have stood still in Schmiedgasse: amongst the houses with bay windows, old doors and gates, you can still sense a touch of the ‘Middle Ages’.

The current name ‘Waldaufstrasse’ derives from Knight Florian Waldauf. He was a close confidant and adviser to Emperor Maximilian I. Waldauf founded the ‘Waldauf Foundation’, which is still known today.

Farm produce was on sale here. The Latin word ‘agrumen’ means crops.

‘Arbes’ is the old name for peas. The name suggests that crops were also sold here.

Named after Archduke Eugen, who visited Hall in 1900 whilst serving as provincial commander in Tyrol. It was previously known as ‘Badgasse’ because of the bathing establishment.

The name is a tribute to the famous town physician and polymath Hippolyt Guarinoni (1571–1654). He played a key role in the construction of St Charles’ Church in Volders.

The name can be traced back to the Kripp family of councillors.

The soldiers were inspected in this alley.

The condemned prisoners awaiting execution were led through the Schergentor. A chilling thought, don’t you think?

Like Schmiedgasse, Schlossergasse is named after the old guild.

Originally known as Salzgasse or Solegasse, the brine pipeline from the Halltal valley passed through the old town here. From the end of the 16th century onwards, it was already named after one of the families who had their town houses here: the Wallpach family.