Stolen: the spiritual stone-grandfather made of Kremser Garden

Stolen: the spiritual stone-grandfather made of Kremser Garden

The wine -growing school in Krems recently affected a regrettable incident: a traditional stone figure that was presented as a gift by South Korean craftsmen has disappeared from the permaculture garden. This figure, known as the "stone grandfather", has not only a high cultural value, but also a mental meaning for South Korean culture.

The permaculture garden has developed into an important landmark of the city since the construction of a striking stone tower in 2023. The tower was created as part of an international workshop in which stonemasons from South Korea also took part. On this occasion, the handmade stone figure was handed over as a sign of friendship. "The figure was presented to us in a ceremony that addressed the tradition and hard work of people in agriculture and stone processing," explains Dieter Faltl, the director of the winegrow school.

The darkness of theft

The theft was not only a shame, but also obviously planned: the statue, which was attached about two meters above the floor and weighs about 10 kg, was deliberately broken down. "The perpetrators had to have noticed and prepared this dismantling campaign. There is no evidence of traces of burglary because the garden is secured through a goal. So there is a deliberate ingress," says Faltl the situation.

The statue has a deeper dimension that is important for the Koreans. In South Korea, the stone grandfather is often set up in front of houses or in striking places in order to act as a protective spirit. He should guard the place and make it thrive. "It is sad that someone has not recognized the meaning of the figure and possibly only considered it as a work of art," Faltl continues.

preserve a valuable legacy

The permaculture garden of the wine -growing school is not only a show garden, but also a place that contributes to biodiversity. With over a hundred different trees and bushes, the garden is a retreat for many plant species and offers numerous habitats. Guided tours of the garden are possible, and many visitors previously appreciated the sight of the stone figure.

Now the wine -growing school is appealing to the public: "We ask for information that could lead to the rediscovery of the stone -grandfather." If you have information, you can contact the number 02732/87 516 to undo the loss of this valuable cultural supplement.

The hope of rediscovering the stone grandfather remains, and the wine -growing school would be pleased to get this part of its history back. The loss not only harbors material damage, but also a cultural loss that has a noticeable impact on the numerous visitors annually.