Richtstättenweg Passeggen

Richtstättenweg Passeggen

WITCHES, SORCERERS AND CAPUCHINS IN ST. ANDRÄ

It happened on Corpus Christi Day in the year 1645. The angry farmers of St. Andrä set off with sabers, clubs and drums for Tamsweg, where Capuchin monks were building a monastery. Since construction began, there had been no good harvest year. Were the pious men witches who possessed a magic potion that kept the rain away? Sick cattle, crop failures, sour milk – was witchcraft involved? On the Richtstättenweg Passeggen in the Taurach valley, the time of the witch hunts comes vividly alive. The historic execution and burning sites where alleged “witches” were burnt have remained – unique in Europe – unchanged over the centuries. Illustrated information boards reveal the history of these places. Those still too young for such creepy stories can entrust themselves during the summer months to the charming forest witch Wurzi on the “time travel path”, the witch path for children. The guided tours take place every Friday and no registration is required. In bad weather, the silver mine in St. Andrä is also worth a visit. Incidentally, for the monks of Tamsweg, the story ended favorably: after the citizens poured water over the foundations of the monastery building, the curse was considered broken and spirits settled again.