A holiday destination
for gallery buffs and culture vultures
If you expect more from a holiday in South Tyrol than just picture-postcard landscapes, you won’t be disappointed at Edelweisshof. The whole Eisacktal valley is a real treasure trove brimming with cultural and artistic gems, and even a small town such as Chiusa/Klausen has plenty to offer for anyone interested in the local culture and traditions.
Chiusa – Dürer’s “Great Fortune”
The famous painter Albrecht Dürer passed through Chiusa on his way to Italy in 1494. He must have been inspired by the little town, as he later portrayed it in great detail in his exquisite copperplate engraving “Das große Glück” (also known as “Nemesis”). Fascinated by the town’s peculiar charm, other artists followed suit. It’s no wonder that Chiusa has made it to the list of Italy’s most beautiful small towns.
Now as then, the town offers plenty of cultural attractions, from the renowned Loreto Treasure to the town’s museum, which regularly exhibits works by contemporary artists, and the Sabiona monastery – one of the most notable early Christian sites in the region.
In summer and autumn, Chiusa shows its festive side with a variety of events and festivals, including the Gasslfieber white nights and the Gassltörggelen festival. During Advent, the Christmas Markets offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the magical Alpine atmosphere that melts the hearts of young and old alike.
Gudon
Gudon is a nearby town with historic heritage to rival that of Chiusa. It was first mentioned in official documents as early as 937, and its picturesque ancient buildings still bear witness to this little town’s eventful past. The main sights include Castle Summersberg and the parish church of St. Martin with its remarkable 15th century frescoes, the Turmwirt, which used to be the local historian’s house, and Hohenhaus manor. Summer highlights include the Cultural Mile – an event that combines music, culinary experiences and a full immersion into the town’s artistic and cultural landscape with a display of artworks ranging from sculptures to paintings.
The Törggelen season
Some call it “autumn”, others “fall”... but there is another synonym for the golden season that is unique to South Tyrol: Törggelen. This beloved tradition was born right here in the Eisacktal valley. Its origins are rooted in the rural custom of celebrating the end of the harvest by tasting new wine and chestnuts. Over the centuries, Törggelen evolved into today’s convivial ritual. After a long walk among the turning leaves, people meet up at local taverns to indulge in succulent meat platters, roasted chestnuts, Tyrolean krapfen fritters and, naturally, new wine. If you are visiting us in autumn, don’t miss the chance to participate in this tradition yourself. There are several Törggelen taverns in the area where you can savour the unique taste of the South Tyrolean autumn!
