The journey of the elephant Soliman

It was a small miracle in European history. To the people of Bressanone, it was more likely a large grey miracle at the end of 1551: that’s when the elephant Soliman crossed the Alpine town accompanied by a large entourage. For the inn in Bressanone, which was soon to become the centre of attention and bear the elephant’s name, the arrival was a stroke of luck. The innkeeper – Andrä Posch – accommodated the elephant for 14 days until it moved on to the north on January 2nd, 1552.

The story and historical background of how Soliman was brought from India to Vienna can be found here: