The iron brothers

The Amort family from Matrei

Blacksmithing is a family tradition in the Amort family. All five brothers (Peter, Paul, Georg, Anton and Karl) have something to do with metalworking. A visit to their workshop is an impressive experience.

Kunstschmiede Amort is located in the center of Matrei and can be reached through a small passageway from the main street. When you enter the backyard, you first enter the realm of the artist Anton (61). He has exhibited many of his sculptures in the front garden of his studio. In addition to stainless steel, he also uses wooden parts, stone and mosaic for his works. When you enter his artist's studio, you are amazed at the wide range of Anton Amort's talents. His latest creations are unique grinding pictures with mountain motifs. Naturally, his motifs are the much-loved mountains of his Wipptal homeland, such as Serles, Habicht and Olperer. The basis for the sanding pictures, which are sanded freehand with an angle grinder and convey a different mood depending on the incidence of light, are his own photographs. And finally, Anton is also a true master in the field of painting, especially nude painting.

In the blacksmith's workshop itself, a fire blazes in the forge almost every day. This is where Georg (59) works as an artistic blacksmith, producing everything that cannot be made by machine. He knows his trade, so it is no surprise that he is commissioned to restore historical metal decorations as well as making wrought iron grave crosses, stair railings and entrance gates. For example, he reconstructed a railing from the 16th century for the silver chapel in Innsbruck's Hofkirche, which was melted down during the First World War. Georg is the most athletic of the five brothers and has successfully competed in the Dolomitenmann several times. His favorite training area is Maria Waldrast, where he often goes for a run on his cross-country skis after work.

Paul (63) found his own niche in the metalworking market when he gave up his career as a bank employee a few years ago. He makes small lucky horseshoes, which he decorates with personal motifs. These are often bought as souvenirs or gifts by guests and locals. Of course, he also helps his brother Georg in the blacksmith's shop when needed.

Peter (57) is a master locksmith and welder and also works with Georg. His main area of work is the manufacture of stainless steel staircases and balcony railings. The fifth brother, Karl (55), has set up his own locksmith business and has thus somehow remained true to the family's basic profession; his workshop and store are also located in the Amort house.

Our tip: If you would like to visit the Kunstschmiede to watch the Amort brothers forge, you can do so during the Matrei Operetta Advent - the doors are open to visitors every year for the two dates of this event at the beginning of December. 

In addition to other handicraft exhibitions from the region, which are spread throughout the Marktl in Matrei and offer a good opportunity to purchase handmade Christmas gifts, you can also indulge in culinary delights. We particularly love the homemade doughnuts made by the farmers' wives, accompanied by a warming mulled wine. For all music lovers, the Operetta Advent with its varied program, which is offered on both dates from 7 p.m. in the Marktl of Matrei and in the various inns and the Heiliggeistkirche, is a great way to get in the mood for Advent. Find out more