My home is my castle II
The Rabensteiners are the custodians of Castle Prösels, and have been taking loving care of the magnificent building and its grounds since 1982. His is a full-time job, and he's busy at it around the clock and seven days a week. Only during the cold season do things calm down a bit – namely when the castle's many "inhabitants" (including lizards, snakes, and owls) hunker down for the winter and the stream of visitors slows to a trickle.
In building Castel Prösels, Leonhard von Völs set himself a monument for all time. Construction was completed in 1517, and the famed Governor of Tyrol on the Adigo River and Count of Tyrol resided there until his death in the year 1530. After four and a half centuries of ups and downs and a long series of different lords of the castle, this magnificent structure was then dedicated to the public. Since 1981, it has been privately owned by the "Prösels Castle Curatorship". Each year, this architectural jewel draws thousands of visitors eager to view the well-preserved castle, participate in any one of the many events held here, or visit a festival. In 2004, more than 15,000 visitors led by qualified tour guides passed through the castle. For the 72 events with over 14,000 guests, too, Michl and his wife Steffi were the main contact persons.
Following a successful renovation by the "Prösels Castle Curatorship," the castle was opened to the public on August 6, 1982. At that time, Michl Rabensteiner was responsible chiefly for the guided tours. He fondly recalls his "spiritual mentor," Oswald Baumgartner, whom many remember as "Oswald von Wolkenstein." Oswald had begun protégéeing him while Michl was still going to school. He introduced Michl (who had completed an apprenticeship as mason) to the world of witch trials and peasant uprisings, medieval architecture and old frescoes. "At first, I had to get my bearings," says Michl, who is now 49 years old, "and develop an awareness for these hallowed halls and the castle's unique atmosphere." Michl's wife Steffi likewise had to first come to grips with the shear size of her new home. Life here simply cannot be compared with living in a conventional residential dwelling. But the long, wearisome, and literally stony path to their apartment in the third story of the west wing is rewarded by the stunning view of the Sciliar Massive, the Alpe di Siusi, Fiè, the Villanderer Alm, the Rittner Horn, Renon, and the Penegal.
The couple's three daughters Verena (21), Andrea (19), and Lea (13) have been accustomed from the start to life among the frescoes, castle chapel, and the "Star Tower" and far from any sizable settlement. "Our friends call us the 'castle witches,'" related Verena. Like her two sisters, she enjoys the cultural events held "at home." Verena studies the "History and Protection of Cultural Goods" in Padua. She and her sister Andrea are members of the eight-person team of tour guides at Prösel Castle. "The visitors are always asking us what it's like to live in a castle, but of course we don't know what it's like to live in a 'normal' house," says Andrea. Michl and Steffi's daughters like the festivals and concerts and help out wherever they can. But when the show is over and the family is alone in the ancient castle, they appreciate the peace and quiet. "Of course, any prospective boyfriends would have a problem flirting with our daughters through their bedroom windows, because they're so high," jokes Michl.
The custodians are responsible for much more than just locking up the place at night: The castle and the gardens must be kept clean and orderly; concerts, exhibitions, and various different celebrations (e.g. weddings) have to be planned and prepared for; the guided tours have to be organized; and the "house" kept in tip-top condition. The organizational talents of Michl and Steffi Rabensteiner are in high demand especially when it comes to preparing big events. When ten thousand spectators are expected for the traditional "Oswald-von-Wolkenstein Horseback Riding Tournament", for example, the actions of approx. one hundred volunteer helpers have to be coordinated. In such cases, the most important thing is to keep a cool head and not try to micro-manage everything. And Michl is not above standing behind the stove and helping out in a tight spot when an elaborate celebration is being held in the castle hall or the arcaded inner courtyard. Steffi says that she's responsible for "all the details," but not a visitor can pass her without her taking notice. The affable "lady of the house" is in charge of the little refreshment stand at the castle entrance and manages the ticket office. For a hand of her favorite card game, "Watten," there's hardly ever time.
Michl always followed the progress of the restoration work with the greatest of interest. He wanted to understand what was going on. The old building is in constant need of little repairs and improvements, and Michl performs many of the tasks on behalf of the Curatorship. Michl's love of classical music ("a good concert in the inner courtyard, and I'm in Seventh Heaven") and his ability to communicate with guests from all over the world and make them feel welcome is proof of the fact that he not just another castle handyman.
The residents of Prösel Castle certainly don't suffer from loneliness: When peace has settled over the inner courtyard, the armory, the main hall, and the fireplace room and the two castle hounds have curled up after an exciting day, there are still the little spooks in the attic to rob the lord and ladies of the castle of their sleep.
In building Castel Prösels, Leonhard von Völs set himself a monument for all time. Construction was completed in 1517, and the famed Governor of Tyrol on the Adigo River and Count of Tyrol resided there until his death in the year 1530. After four and a half centuries of ups and downs and a long series of different lords of the castle, this magnificent structure was then dedicated to the public. Since 1981, it has been privately owned by the "Prösels Castle Curatorship". Each year, this architectural jewel draws thousands of visitors eager to view the well-preserved castle, participate in any one of the many events held here, or visit a festival. In 2004, more than 15,000 visitors led by qualified tour guides passed through the castle. For the 72 events with over 14,000 guests, too, Michl and his wife Steffi were the main contact persons.
Following a successful renovation by the "Prösels Castle Curatorship," the castle was opened to the public on August 6, 1982. At that time, Michl Rabensteiner was responsible chiefly for the guided tours. He fondly recalls his "spiritual mentor," Oswald Baumgartner, whom many remember as "Oswald von Wolkenstein." Oswald had begun protégéeing him while Michl was still going to school. He introduced Michl (who had completed an apprenticeship as mason) to the world of witch trials and peasant uprisings, medieval architecture and old frescoes. "At first, I had to get my bearings," says Michl, who is now 49 years old, "and develop an awareness for these hallowed halls and the castle's unique atmosphere." Michl's wife Steffi likewise had to first come to grips with the shear size of her new home. Life here simply cannot be compared with living in a conventional residential dwelling. But the long, wearisome, and literally stony path to their apartment in the third story of the west wing is rewarded by the stunning view of the Sciliar Massive, the Alpe di Siusi, Fiè, the Villanderer Alm, the Rittner Horn, Renon, and the Penegal.
The couple's three daughters Verena (21), Andrea (19), and Lea (13) have been accustomed from the start to life among the frescoes, castle chapel, and the "Star Tower" and far from any sizable settlement. "Our friends call us the 'castle witches,'" related Verena. Like her two sisters, she enjoys the cultural events held "at home." Verena studies the "History and Protection of Cultural Goods" in Padua. She and her sister Andrea are members of the eight-person team of tour guides at Prösel Castle. "The visitors are always asking us what it's like to live in a castle, but of course we don't know what it's like to live in a 'normal' house," says Andrea. Michl and Steffi's daughters like the festivals and concerts and help out wherever they can. But when the show is over and the family is alone in the ancient castle, they appreciate the peace and quiet. "Of course, any prospective boyfriends would have a problem flirting with our daughters through their bedroom windows, because they're so high," jokes Michl.
The custodians are responsible for much more than just locking up the place at night: The castle and the gardens must be kept clean and orderly; concerts, exhibitions, and various different celebrations (e.g. weddings) have to be planned and prepared for; the guided tours have to be organized; and the "house" kept in tip-top condition. The organizational talents of Michl and Steffi Rabensteiner are in high demand especially when it comes to preparing big events. When ten thousand spectators are expected for the traditional "Oswald-von-Wolkenstein Horseback Riding Tournament", for example, the actions of approx. one hundred volunteer helpers have to be coordinated. In such cases, the most important thing is to keep a cool head and not try to micro-manage everything. And Michl is not above standing behind the stove and helping out in a tight spot when an elaborate celebration is being held in the castle hall or the arcaded inner courtyard. Steffi says that she's responsible for "all the details," but not a visitor can pass her without her taking notice. The affable "lady of the house" is in charge of the little refreshment stand at the castle entrance and manages the ticket office. For a hand of her favorite card game, "Watten," there's hardly ever time.
Michl always followed the progress of the restoration work with the greatest of interest. He wanted to understand what was going on. The old building is in constant need of little repairs and improvements, and Michl performs many of the tasks on behalf of the Curatorship. Michl's love of classical music ("a good concert in the inner courtyard, and I'm in Seventh Heaven") and his ability to communicate with guests from all over the world and make them feel welcome is proof of the fact that he not just another castle handyman.
The residents of Prösel Castle certainly don't suffer from loneliness: When peace has settled over the inner courtyard, the armory, the main hall, and the fireplace room and the two castle hounds have curled up after an exciting day, there are still the little spooks in the attic to rob the lord and ladies of the castle of their sleep.
