Benedictine Abbey of Monte Maria

The Monte Maria Monastery - "Kloster Marienberg" in German, "Abbazia di Monte Maria" in Italian - is located above Burgusio (Burgeis), 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" museum, providing an insight into the life in the monastery. Also pieces of art dating back to its founding period are exhibited. The crypt hosts a peculiarity: the fresco cycle dates back to the period of 1175 and 1180 and represents a unique monument of Romanesque arts. A large part of these paintings was already discovered in 1887, while they were completely laid open only in 1980. Still today, the frescoes are well-preserved and can be seen in the barrier-free museum in a movie. 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.