The ground floor of the highest located Benedictine abbey in Europe, Monte Maria, houses the “ora et labora” Monastery Museum
Image gallery: “ora et labora” Monastery Museum
Since 2007, the well-known Benedictine Abbey of Monte Maria in the Val Venosta valley has been home to a museum. Called "ora et labora", i.e. "pray and work", it takes up the motto of the Benedictine order in its name, and provides an insight into the everyday life of the monastery. Artworks from the founding period, that's to say from the 12th century, are also on display.
The museum is housed in the former economic wing of the monastery, and also organises special exhibitions from time to time with collections from the monastery treasury. During the renovation in 2004-2008, the old building was largely left in its original state, and a second contemporary level was created. In this way, the structural changes of the last centuries can be easily understood, and there are also films and a wide variety of objects to look at.
The crypt houses a special feature: The fresco cycle from the period between 1175 and 1180 is a unique monument of Romanesque art. A large part of these well-preserved paintings was discovered in 1887, but they were not fully uncovered until 1980. You can also visit the library, the Church of St. Stephen, and the exhibition depot. And how to reach the "ora et labora" Monastery Museum - "Klostermuseum" in German, "Museo del monastero" in Italian? On foot the Benedictine Path leads from Burgusio to the monastery, by car there is a road leading from Burgusio towards Slingia/Watles. The car park is in a bend, from there it is another 100 m to the monastery.
Contact info
- Slingia / Schlinig 1 - 39024 - Malles Venosta / Mals
- +39 0473 843989
- verwaltung@marienberg.it
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
€ 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
crypt, library, St. Stephen, exhibition depot:
€ 27.00 guided tour (crypt, library and exhibition depot) with museum entry
€ 10.50 guided tour to the library with museum entry
€ 10.50 guided tour to the crypt with museum entry
€ 10.50 guided tour to St. Stephen with museum entry
€ 10.50 guided tour to the deposit with museum entry
€ 7.50 guided tour to the church with museum entry
More information
Closed on Sundays and church holidays. Crypt, library, St. Stephen and exhibition depot are accessible only during a guided tour (dates on request).
In winter, the museum in the Monte Maria Monastery is open only at the end of the year from December 27, 2023, to January 5, 2024, season closure in late autumn (early November to the end of December) and in winter (early January to mid-March). Season start 2024 on March 15.