Pope Benedict XVI.‘s link to Bressanone/Brixen and South Tyrol comes from his early childhood: his mother was born in Rio Mulino/Mühlbach, a small village near Bressanone/Brixen. During his visits, Pope Benedict XVI grew to love the people in this region. The first time Joseph Ratzinger came to South Tyrol, he did so as a simple priest. As
Archbishop and Cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger enjoyed a number of
summer holidays in our town. From 1977 to 2004, he stayed in Bressanone/Brixen every three years, together with his brother and sister – mostly during the first two weeks of August at the seminary in Bressanone/Brixen. In 2008, having been elected as
Pope Benedikt XVI., he returned to South Tyrol and once more spent his summer holiday at the seminary in Brixen.
During his stay, Joseph Ratzinger dined several times at the
Restaurant ‘
Künstlerstübele Oste Scuro/Finsterwirt‘.
Venison filet with cold-stirred cranberries and roast potatoes was always one of his favourite meals. Since the honourable visit, this dish can be found on our menu during the month of August. After the Pope’s election, the
‘Künstlerstübele Oste Scuro/Finsterwirt‘ developed a
‘Papal Lounge Benedict XVI" in its premises. It is supposed to remember the visit of His Holiness.