This 15th-century inn marks the entrance to old Bressanone and, as the name suggests, once gave shelter to an Indian elephant, a gift on its way to Archduke Maximilian of Austria. The quince-toned exterior hints at what’s inside: extremely comfortable rooms and serenely professional service, exquisite historic stufas (tiled stoves) in the dining room and museum-worthy paintings lining the stairs.
An honour roll/guestbook features a staggering assortment of European royalty, signing off with the Duchess of Aosta (these days, we’re told, the more discreet King of Belgium is rather fond of the place).
