The place name probably derives from the Latin 'ad umbras' and means 'situated in the shadows'. Amras developed in the 13th century, the now late Gothic church still has a bell that was cast in the famous Höttinger foundry Löffler.
Probably the most famous building towers above the village center and is called - almost with the same name - Ambras Castle. It was built in the 16th century by the Tyrolean sovereign Ferdinand II,
who gave it as a gift to his beloved first wife Philippine Welser. It is considered an outstanding example of accomplished Renaissance art and also, with its Chamber of Art and Curiosities, the first museum in the world, as Ferdinand made his collection accessible to the public during his lifetime.
Amras is also a literary place! The personal favorite work of the important Austrian writer Thomas Bernhard, entitled 'Amras', is about this very place.