An elephant passing through Bressanone: its story, between legend and realityis still alive in the hotel which takes its name from the animal donated in 1551 by the King of Portugal to his nephew Archduke Maximilian of Austria. The elephant stopped for 14 days in the inn which is now the Elephant hotel and then continued its journey towards Vienna where it arrived in May 1552. Symbol of strength and stubbornness, today it is the elephant Solimanpainted on the facade, to welcome guests: not only did it give its name to the structure, but it is a constant and friendly presence that can be found on the windows of the restaurant room, in the furnishings, in the garden.
L’hotel, in the historic center of Bressanone, among picturesque alleys and frescoed facadesis an example of how tradition and elegance can integrate in harmony with contemporary design. Mentioned as early as 1442 as a simple inn, the hotel has undergone constant transformation over the centuries. Owned by the same Heiss-Falck family since 1773the Elephant is today managed with grace and care by Elisabeth Heiss and her son Michael Falk with Eleonora Corazza, who represent the seventh and eighth generation.
The hotel has preserved the charm of the past through a careful restoration that celebrates the period details without sacrificing comfort. Crossing its threshold, the atmosphere immediately tells stories of times gone by through antique furnishings, tapestries, hand-crafted wooden boiserie.
The recent restyling completed in 2024, led by Eleonora Corazza with A Project with the collaboration of the Bolzano studio Florian Scartezziniintroduced two important architectural innovations. The attic was transformed into a space with 13 new roomsincluding 5 panoramic suites. In parallel, the former barn has been converted into a wellness areaminimal and relaxing, equipped with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath and fitness centre. Every corner of the hotel reflects meticulous attention to detail. The rooms and suites are an example of design that combines period furniture with refined fabrics, including the collections of GP & J Baker, Casamance e Pierre Frey.
In the hotel there are two restaurants led by the starred chef Mathias Bachmannboth also open to those who do not stay in the structure. One, the Elephant restaurant, is more classic both in its gastronomic offering and in its environment – intimate and welcoming – made up of tables, sideboards and wooden paneling, soft lighting and a Tyrolean atmosphere. An intimate place with just 4 tables, inspired by the art deco architecture of the 1920s, the Apostelstube restaurant offers a gourmet experience with dishes with a strong personality with influences from all over the world. The restaurant was the first starred restaurant in Alto Adige, from 1962 to 1970, and he regained the star in 2019.
It is also part of the hotel Villa Marzari. Annexed to the hotel in 1872, it is now an annex with 12 rooms, each with a balcony overlooking the lush two-hectare park. Silent and secluded, it is ideal for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. In the garden there is also a swimming pool, two tennis courts and reserved corners for quiet moments.
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