On the verge of the good old days, right in the middle of Villabassa village, lies the historic Hotel Emma, so named after legendary hostess Emerentiana Hellenstainer. Her cordiality, frontier spirit, and unrivalled cooking lured scholars, scientists, and aristocrats from England, France, and America to Alta Pusteria almost 200 years ago.
Hotel Emma
Villabassa, Alta Pusteria
Location
at the centre of Villabassa village, Alta Pusteria
Architecture
historicism, vaults, 16th-century foundation
Food & drink
savoury & healthy dishes from Imperial to modern times
Hosting since
1593
Characteristic features
the tangible history of legendary hostess Emma
And they keep coming. Wood-panelled rooms and vaults rich with history still breathe the spirit of the erstwhile pioneer,
while culinary treats from Imperial times, 16th-century style elements,
and a view extending far beyond the landscape enchant all the senses.
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»I might be old-fashioned, but I just don’t care for modern buildings. I like old buildings that tell stories.«
Brigitta Stauder
Hostess at the Hotel Emma
A conversation with
Brigitta Stauder on
»Emma Hellenstainer, the tourism pioneer who gave her hotel its name, about her well-guarded recipe book, and about how a postcard from overseas found its way to ‘Frau Emma in Europe’.«
»Emma Hellenstainer, the tourism pioneer who gave her hotel its name, about her well-guarded recipe book, and about how a postcard from overseas found its way to ‘Frau Emma in Europe’.«
