Tyrolese Architecture 
WAIDHOFEN FROM THE YBBS NEAR SARNTHEIN 
penetrated the dry soil and rose in a spring 
whence the village folk could draw their 
household supply of water. This was the focus 
for the buildings, and in the smaller settle¬ 
ments it was marked by a tree trunk hollowed 
out to receive the water. At larger places a 
stone basin was built around an upright shaft 
which supported an iron pipe leading the 
crystal stream. The ground around this 
center ot outdoor life was reserved when new 
buildings were erected ; the main highway 
widened momentarily to accommodate the 
brunnen (from which some villages have even 
taken their name); or a branch road, leading 
from the mountains, turned in its course to 
debouch close beside this necessary water 
supply and use¬ 
ful monument. 
By this means 
the p l a t z of 
north Tyrol and 
the piazza of 
the South first 
made their ap¬ 
pearance. 
Later on, the 
fountains were 
richly wrought, 
and frequently 
a carved image 
of a martyr, a 
patron saint or 
of the Christ 
was added to the 
upright shaft 
which supported 
the water jet. Here women and children gath¬ 
ered to fill their buckets. Here was the place 
for exchanges, gossip, entertainments and 
athletic feats. To-day the traveler who rides 
into a Tyrolese village knows that he has 
reached the center when he gains the platz. 
In noon hours he may find the village road 
deserted, and only a dog turning a listless 
ear of life in its midday sleep on a cottage 
stoop, when the village folk are afield; but 
the platz is never deserted. There heavily 
shod maidens steal away before him, shyly 
guarding their full pitchers ; and plump little 
boys in leathern breeches gaze at the stranger 
with wide, wondering eyes. If it be in the 
south, a few loiterers will be playing the fa¬ 
vorite game of 
boccia, or bowls, 
on the bare 
ground aside 
from the path of 
teams, while 
others seek 
shelter from the 
warm sun under 
the shaded arch¬ 
way of a house 
or shop. On a 
summer’s night, 
small tables with 
candelabra are 
set out in front 
of the inns, and 
guests grow 
merry around 
the ruddy lights. 
GARDENS AT KALTERN 
2l8 
