The author of the book tried to talk about the similar and at the same time unique Austrian lands of Tyrol and Salzburg. Being located next door, they belonged to different states for almost a millennium, had different statuses and developed differently. Both of their capitals - the beautiful cities of Innsbruck and Salzburg - have gone through a long historical path before gaining a reputation as resorts of world importance. For centuries, each of them retained the glory of a commercial and cultural center, was the temporary residence of emperors, and also had universities. Without losing their former greatness, they remained small, homely European cities that could be called ordinary if they were not so closely connected with the Alps.