It will trace the routes of salt transport and commemorate the importance of salt shipping, the heyday of the neighbouring villages and their loss of importance after the end of salt shipping. The invented “Traditionsfest” recalls the former importance of Roitham and the transformation of the town after the 600-year salt shipping industry came to an end.
The idea was triggered by the rafters’ Madonna at the Traun Falls, which (in retrospect – it was only erected at its current location in 1984) was supposed to give the salt boatmen divine assistance on their dangerous journey. Starting with the carving out of a salt stone from the Altaussee mine, the plan is to transport the block to Roitham, where the sculpture will be formed over several weeks of public work.
The creation of the sculpture can be experienced by Roitham residents and guests. Chipped salt stone chunks will be filled into glass jars and offered as Roitham Madonna Salt. After installation, the Salt Madonna will dissolve again over time due to the effects of the weather.
Salzmadonnenfest
13/07/24 Opening of the completed Salt Madonna by Mayor Thomas Avbelj with the Stiegnmusi.
The Salzmadonna – a salt stone that has found its way from Altaussee by boat across Lake Traunsee and finally to Roitham, where the artist Dirk Schlichting has chiselled it for the residents of Roitham and their visitors in the sweat of his brow. The salt Madonna – as strange as it appeared – will disappear again with time and above all with the rain until only the story and the myth remain.
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