dji kloster benediktinerstift marienberg burgeis mals
dji kloster benediktinerstift marienberg burgeis mals

Benedictine Abbey of Monte Maria

The highest located Benedictine Abbey of Europe (1,340 m a.s.l.) rises above Burgusio in the Val Venosta valley

The Monte Maria Monastery - "Kloster Marienberg" in German, "Abbazia di Monte Maria" in Italian - is located above Burgusio, in the municipality of Malles in the Val Venosta valley. The white, castle-like building dates back to the 12th century and was donated by the Nobles of Tarasp. The first monks derived from the Benedictine Abbey of Ottobeuren in Bavaria. Today the monastery has got 11 members, living according to the rules of the Saint Benedict of Nursia.

In 1724, the monks founded a Humanistic Gymnasium in Merano, in the 20th century the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Maria itself hosted a private gymnasium and therefore has got a long tradition in formal education. Pius Zingerle, Albert Jäger and Beda Weber were an illustrious triumvirate in the gymnasium, until 1928, when it was forced to close its doors. Still today, however, the monks operate in the field of continuing education: weekend courses, a guest house and "Monastery on Time" (only for men) provide retreat in our frantic time.

Since 2007, the ground floor hosts the "ora et labora" Monastery Museum, furthermore the library, the St. Stephan Church and the museum depot can be visited. And how to reach the Monte Maria Monastery? The road from Burgusio to Slingia/Watles leads to a parking space in a bend, from there it's just 100 metres to the building. Furthermore, the short St. Benedict Trail takes you from Burgusio to the monastery, and several hiking paths (such as the Hours' Trail) lead past it.

Contact info

Opening times

  • Tue 19 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Wed 20 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thu 21 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Fri 22 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sat 23 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sun 24 Mar closed
  • Mon 25 Mar 10:00 - 17:00

Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Full timetables
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Winter closure 2024 (06/01/2024 - 14/03/2024)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue closed
  • Wed closed
  • Thu closed
  • Fri closed
  • Sat closed
  • Sun closed

Monastery Museum - spring 2024 (15/03/2024 - 01/06/2024)

  • Mon 10:00 - 17:00
  • Tue 10:00 - 17:00
  • Wed 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thu 10:00 - 17:00
  • Fri 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sat 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sun closed

Easter 2024 (31/03/2024) closed

Easter Monday 2024 (01/04/2024) 10:00 - 17:00

Liberation Day 2024 (25/04/2024) 10:00 - 17:00

Labor Day 2024 (01/05/2024) 10:00 - 17:00

Whit Monday 2024 (20/05/2024) 10:00 - 17:00

Admission

Monastery Museum "ora et labora":
€ 5.50 adults
€ 4.50 groups
€ 3.00 students

free for children up to 14 years (if accompanied by their parents)
free with the Museumcard and museumobil Card

More information

Crypt, library, St. Stephen and exhibition depot are accessible only during a guided tour (possible in the months from March to October, dates on request).

The "ora et labora" Monastery Museum stays open in summer and during the two winter weeks from December 27 to January 5, closed on Sundays and on church holidays.

Summer season start 2024 on March 15.

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