SILLIAN

'Sillian' is a stunningly beautiful village, with an elegant church which has a wonderful cemetery, which features spectacular views, and images of the deceased on each headstone (mostly these are metal, rather than stone). Richard Strauss stayed at the Schwarzer Adler (Black Eagle) hotel, and is purported to have played the hotel piano, and even to have composed there. The ancient square is interesting as it features a pillary, which was mostly used to punish adulterous women. The weather in Sillian is extremely changeable due to its location, and it can quickly change from warm and balmy to sub-zero. From Sillian, it is fairly easy to drive into Lienz, and onto Italy (South Tyrol).