When you arrive at this beautiful property, which dates back to the 15th century, you immediately fall in love with its tiny entrance. Almost everyone has to bend down to walk through the small gate. Then it’s just a few steps up and you spot the most wonderful entrance hall ever seen (well, at least, for us it’s the most wonderful one, but we’ve seen many). Harmonious classical music floats through the air. At a small table candles are burning, dripping some wax onto the old wood. And then, the owner lady greets in a well chosen dress and your first impression will be something like: Yes, I definitely want to stay here – maybe even for a longer time!
This is also due to the fact that the house is a real treasure trove. Every room is a journey into the past, every detail full of beauty.
The location
The B&B Zum Riesen is located in the Vinschgau Valley, the South Tyrolean region west of Merano. The area is surrounded by three famous mountains passes: From the south, you can reach it via the famous Passo dello Stelvio. Coming from Switzerland means that you have to cross the Ofenpass through the magic Val Mustair and from the north there is the Reschenpass with the famous church, that sits inside the lake. The really nice thing about this piece of land is, that it has been spared from mass tourism so far.
The history
Over the past 500 years the historic Gasthof zum Riesen has been wandering from generation to generation. Perhaps it was a coincidence of fate, but the house was always run by women. This is still the case today, with Alexandra dell’ Agnolo, who took over from her parents a couple of years ago. In 2016 she and her sister Sylvia decided to turn the aging building into a stylish hideaway. Being an architect Sylvia had specialized in the renovation of historical buildings. So they uncovered frescos and floors in the rooms that had long since disappeared. With special whitewashing techniques, even former wall paintings could be reclaimed. When you look at the old paintings in the rooms, you are pretty amazed by the colors and shapes. The artists of the past had a much more timeless taste than those of today.
The rooms
The B&B Zum Riesen has a total of nine different rooms, spread over two floors. Basically all of them are recommendable, but those who prefer historical boltholes should rent a room in the first floor. Upstairs on the second floor to the east side there is a new extension, in which there are slightly more modern rooms with light wood. Some also have their own balcony. Modern bathrooms have been installed in all rooms, but everything has been done with the necessary sensitivity and everything is of the highest quality here.
Wellness
There is a small wellness area on the upper floor. But don’t worry: This is not a tasteless temple complex quickly crammed into the house, but a beautiful relaxation area with lots of wood, a large balcony and a beautifully designed sauna. It’s a bright loggia, perfect for a few quiet hours after a mountain hike.
Culinary
At the Zum Riesen you generally rent the guest room on a bed&breakfast basis, The divine breakfast is served in the beautiful old parlor or in the „Herrenzimmer” (another room, you will definitely fall in love with). In the same house – below and with its own entrance – there is also a pizzeria where you can have an easy dinner. On request, smaller groups can also book a menu with Alexandra dell’ Agnolo and dine in one of the parlors or on the large terrace of the house.
Ideal for
Couples in love and therefore in search of the perfect long weekend.
Prices
Doubles from 70 to 125 Euros per person including breakfast.
Bookings & Contacts
Historic Refugium Zum Riesen
Karpoforusweg 1
39021 Tarsch im Vinschgau
Südtirol, Italien
Tel. +39 0473 720081
info@zumriesen.it
www.zumriesen.it
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