Despite the fact that it is not actually located within the municipality of Kematen but belongs geographically to Zirl, the towering “Martinswand” rockface is very much an integral part of the villagescape. With the distinctive Karlwendelbahn railway gallery hewn out of the rock face, and a grotto shrouded in myth, the precipitous craggy wall is steeped in history and legend.

According to the tale, Emperor Maximilian I, having lost his bearings during a mountain hike, was rescued here by an angel.

The Emperor also left his mark in the village of Kematen itself where, it is said, he enjoyed many a festivity. Two granaries in the village serve as a reminder. They were built for the safekeeping of the “tithe”, an agricultural payment in kind.

Incidentally: The name of Kematen derives from the Latin term “Caminata”, which literally means “heated chamber”.