Visit of Archduke Stephan to Klausen and Bozen

Austrian Monarchy.

Tyrol.

Botzen, 27 Sept. His Imperial Highness the most serene Archduke Stephan arrived in Klausen on 24 Sept. at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, where he inspected the mine maps, plans, and mineral specimens preserved in the Mining and Smelting Office building, as well as the sights located in the Capuchin monastery, which date back to its founder, Queen Marie Anna of Spain. At 7 o'clock in the evening, the Lord Archduke arrived in Botzen and lodged at the Kaiserkrone inn. The heads of the civil and military authorities, as well as the senior clergy, were assembled to receive the distinguished traveller; a company of the Kaiserjäger regiment was drawn up before the inn, while mortar salutes sounded from the nearby low mountain range. Following the church service in the parish church, the morning of 25 Sept. was spent receiving the heads of all authorities and visiting the Dominican monastery barracks, the town hospital, and the collegiate court. Immediately before dinner, the marksmen of the town of Botzen had the honour of presenting His Imperial Highness, in a festive procession, with the letter of invitation to the open shooting match held on this occasion, followed by the prizes and flags. In the afternoon, His Imperial Highness visited the castle ruins of Sigmundskron despite the inclement weather, reviewed the Gries company of marksmen on the return journey, and inspected the local collegiate church, renowned for Knoller's frescoes. Afterwards, His Imperial Highness graced the shooting range with a visit, though fading daylight prevented him from shooting at the target. In the later evening hours, the wind band of the Kaiserjäger battalion stationed in Botzen performed before the inn. On the morning of the 26th, His Imperial Highness deigned to travel to Kaltern via Auer and Gmund. Despite continuous rainfall, following a brief stay in Kaltern, His Highness continued his journey from there to the Nonsberg on horseback. Everywhere and on every occasion, His Imperial Highness made the most favourable impression on high and low through his distinguished personality, earning the affection and admiration of all who had the unforgettable fortune of coming into closer or more distant contact with his august person.