April
Schenna CastleThe Executioner’s Sword of Meran
A gruesome tale: the month of April is dedicated to the Executioner’s Sword of Meran, one of such two swords in old Tyrol. Between 1733 and 1787 it was used in over 60 executions in what is today South Tyrol. Acquired by Archduke John at the time, it is now an important item in the weapons collection at Schenna Castle. At the same time, the sword is an essential element of the recently made film DIE SCHARFRICHTER VON TIROL [The Executioners of Tyrol] that takes us on a journey through time and the bloody system of justice in old Tyrol: who now wants to have lived in the “good old days”? The film was broadcast on RAI Bozen on 9 March 2020 and can also be viewed in the broadcaster’s media library. |
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The Wirtshaus Thurnerhof InnHenkersmahlzeit
Aperitif: Kräuter-Hugo Vorspeise: Hexensuppe (mit Kräutern) Hauptspeisen: Spanferkel / Huhn / Truthahn mit Wurzelgemüse Wein / Bier / Säfte aus Krügen / Bechern Dessert: Scheiterhaufen In the old days a condemned man was allowed one last meal: only the best of the best, and plenty of it. With this in mind, a culinary fireworks display awaits you at the Thurnerhof Inn: a sparkling herbal potion, fiery witch’s soup, juicy meat dishes with delicious root vegetables and, last but not least – well, the funeral pyre! It’s all a question of survival. Combining imagination and detail, our “witching team” of Helmuth and Vroni will help you savour your “last” culinary delight! Contact: (+39) 0473 945702 and www.thurnerhof.it |
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May
Schenna CastleArchduke John has been immortalised in the history books as the “Styrian Prince”, but his great love was for the land of Tyrol. In the merry month of May, the focus of the castle tours is on Archduke John and his life’s work. After a long and fulfilling life, he died on 11 May 1859 and is indisputably one of the most important members of the House of Habsburg. The universal nature of his activities, sponsorships and inventions has ensured him a permanent place in the history books and, through his efforts to ensure the well-being of his fellow humans, he won a permanent place in their hearts that has lasted to this day!
And for what exactly is he revered in Tyrol? Purchase of Schenna Castle – unique collections – Mausoleum as a chapel for his family – foundation of the Geognostic-Montanistic Association for Tyrol and Vorarlberg – creation of a geognostic map of Tyrol – surveying the Alps – exploring the Alps - the “first tourist” in the Alps – establishment of the Ferdinandeum as a modern provincial museum – pioneer of winegrowing in today’s South Tyrol – promotion of agriculture – foundation of the Agricultural Society for Tyrol – promotion of landscape painting – promotion of traditional costumes and folk culture – reintroduction of the ibex – supporter of the Tyrolean uprising under Andreas Hofer in 1809 – etc. |
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The Wirtshaus Thurnerhof InnRather than use expensive salt, our ancestors and indeed Archduke John and his wife Anna would season their food with the herbs that grew in the garden or in the wild. Inspired both by this tradition and by more recent trends, the culinary delicacies served at the Thurnerhof Inn are carefully seasoned with herbs from its very own garden.
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June
Schenna CastleArchduke John recognised that diversity in farming, as an alternative to monoculture and the unbridled manipulation of plants, would bring with it economic benefits and help protect the natural world. His stewardship of the Thurnerhof was marked by the introduction of cereals, winegrowing and fruit farming; today we continue with the sympathetic and sustainable cultivation of apples, wine, pears and elderberries.
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The Wirtshaus Thurnerhof InnOn Thursday, 4 June 2020 we are holding a “picnic under the elder tree”. Seasonal and local delicacies can be enjoyed in a relaxed environment – under the elder trees at the Thurnerhof. Served in practical small wooden boxes, here you can find every sort of summer delight, and we have of course also thought of those who prefer vegetarian cuisine. There will be a large selection of refreshing and cooling drinks, some produced by ourselves: elderberry juice and walnut liqueur, or wines and schnapps made by our partners.
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July
Schenna CastleAnna, Countess of Meran, was born Anna Plochl in Bad Aussee and was not of the social rank befitting the consort on an Archduke. She is nevertheless considered the creative mother of all her ingenious descendants: cooking, knitting, embroidering, spinning, sewing – there was hardly a domestic skill that she did not fully master.
Some of her enchanting works have been preserved and can be seen on our summer castle tours: her wide straw hat, the masterfully embroidered underwear, the magnificent coffin cover that she artistically embellished as a “last gift of love” for her late “beloved Hansl”, or the “Anna Plochl Dirndl”, created by and named after her and still worn in the family today. |
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The Wirtshaus Thurnerhof InnAnna cooked for her “Erzi”, as she affectionately called John, with a special love and passion. Many of her “very secret” recipes have been preserved and immortalised in a book. At the Thurnerhof Inn you can indulge yourself with a selection of these wonderful dishes. Only this much can be revealed: beef, game and root vegetables, with local berries for dessert counted among Archduke John’s favourites, served with a glass of Tokaj wine from Hungary or Welschriesling from Tyrol. John knew how to enjoy himself – and Anna knew how to “keep him happy”.
Anna by the way had a charming saying: „You Habsburgs might perhaps rule better - but we Plochls can cook better!“ Contact: (+39) 0473 945702 und www.thurnerhof.it |
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August
Schloss SchennaTuscany, Florence, the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens – do these names make you dream?
Archduke John was born there in 1782, where he spent a happy and carefree childhood in the Pitti Palace. The romantic Boboli Gardens were his adventure playground, while the winding streets of Florence at that time were his home, as the grand-ducal family maintained close contacts with the local population. During our fascinating castle tours, you will learn all this and more about John’s roots in Tuscany. |
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The Wirtshaus Thurnerhof InnAnd what would Tuscany and Florence be without their delicious cuisine and entrancing wines? The Thurnerhof Inn will delight you and your palate with appetising pasta dishes and typical meat dishes, all rounded off with delicious desserts. As for Tuscany and wine, they simply belong together! Chianti, Brunello, Montepulciano, Vernacchia and other Tuscan favourites are all sure to gladden both palate and heart.
Contact: (+39) 0473 945702 und www.thurnerhof.it |
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September & October
Schenna CastleAutumn begins, and with it the temptation to head for the mountains.
Archduke John is considered “the first tourist” to have roamed the Alps on foot, climbing peaks, conducting research and devoting himself to geology and mineralogy, botany and wildlife. He also recommended his contemporaries to spend time in the great outdoors so as to improve their spiritual well-being and physical fitness. Ultimately, John is also responsible for the establishment of the Alpine Club, the channelling of mountain streams, protection against avalanches and the safeguarding of wild animals and unspoilt nature. In considering his life he is called the “green rebel” and can certainly be regarded as the “father of the green movement”. On a guided tour of the Castle you will encounter Archduke John and his love for the mountains, nature and wild animals at every turn. |
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The Wirtshaus Thurnerhof InnA little surprise awaits you at the Thurnerhof that will be a welcome companion for you on your hike!
Contact: (+39) 0473 945702 und www.thurnerhof.it |
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