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" Museum?
On foot the Benedictine Path leads from Burgusio (Burgeis) to the monastery, by car there is a road leading from Burgusio towards Slingia (Schlinig) and Mt. Watles. The car park is in a bend, from there it is another 100 m to the monastery. Also the second stage of the Hours' Trail, a 4-hour hike which starts in Laudes, takes you to the famous monastery.
Contact info
- Slingia / Schlinig 1 - 39024 - Malles Venosta / Mals
- +39 0473 843980
- info@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
free on May 18, 2024 (Open Day)
guided tours on appointment (in German/Italian language):
€ 27.00 tour (crypt, library, showcase) with museum
€ 10.50 library with museum
€ 10.50 crypt with museum
€ 10.50 St. Stephen with museum
€ 10.50 showcase with museum
€ 7.50 church with museum
More information
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.
Guided tour to the museum every 1st Wednesday of the month at 2 pm (in Italian language) and at 3.30 pm (in German language). Summer season start 2024 on March 15.
The museum, the shop and the church are barrier-free. Crypt, library, St. Stephen and exhibition depot are accessible only during a guided tour (dates on request).