Nativity Scene Museum at the Muri-Gries Monastery

The history of the Muri-Gries Monastery in the Gries-San Quirino district dates back to the 11th century. For centuries self-sufficient, the Benedictine monks now also produce wines - 85% red and 15% white - which mature in the old cellar. But that's not all the abbey complex has to offer.

The Muri-Gries Nativity Scene Museum (Krippenmuseum Muri-Gries) awaits you in the Romanesque tower of the former Gries Castle, now part of the monastery. Here, you can admire Passion crib scenes, antique and oriental nativity scenes, as well as modern examples. One of the cribs even dates back to the 18th century. In addition, 40 figures of folk art are on display.

You can find other crib exhibitions worth seeing in South Tyrol at Stabinger in Sesto, at the Maranatha Nativity Scene Museum in Lutago, and at Original Heide in Pontives at the entrance to the Gardena Valley. Gardena itself is home to the world's largest hand-carved nativity scene.

How do get there: The Muri-Gries Monastery is easily accessible by public transport, for example, by bus routes 10A or 8 from the central Piazza Walther square. While there are some paid parking spaces in Gries, travelling by bus is less stressful. You can also reach the Muri-Gries Nativity Scene Museum from the town centre in about 20 minutes on foot.