Maria von Buol

Maria Anna von Buol-Berenberg - that’s the complete name of Maria von Buol - was born on the 21st of August 1861 in Innsbruck as a descendant of the Buol-Berenberg dynasty. At the tender age of six she moved to the home town of her mother, Caldaro - at that time still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Maria von Buol was raised in the present Buol Residence in Caldaro village (Kaltern Dorf) and taught by private tutors. Already as a young lady she had friendships with several European aristocrats and travelled several times, also to Palestine for example.

Later on, Maria von Buol became famous as a writer for rural theatre companies and as an excellent narrator of local characters and customs. Her folk tales in various lengths appeared in journals, furthermore she published historical books and the “Lieder vom Heiligen Land” (Songs of the Holy Country, 1902). Her most important works include “Die Gamswirtin”, “Das Findelkind” and “Ein Herrgottskind”.

She died on the 21st of May 1943 in Caldaro, as the last descendant of the Lords of Buol from Caldaro. Today not only the venerable Buol Residence reminds of the poet, but also the Calvary, a well known panoramic place in Caldaro. Along the way to the top there are eight chapels, the last one belonged to Maria von Buol: she vowed to light a candle in its interior every Friday.