Benedictine abbey of Monte Maria

The highest located Benedictine abbey of Europe (1,340 m asl) has got a long tradition in formal education.

The Marienberg monastery, or Monte Maria, is located in the municipal territory of Malles in Val Venosta, above the village of Burgusio. The white, castle-like building situated in a slope basin 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 (Germany). 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.

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 and “monastery on time” provide retreat in our frantic time. Today the monastery has got 11 members, living according to the rules of the Saint Benedict of Nursia.

The ground floor of the monastery, since 2007 hosts a museum, providing an insight into the life in the monastery. Also pieces of art dating back to the period of time in which it was founded 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 has already been discovered in 1887, while they were completely laid open only in 1980, almost a century later. Still today the frescoes are well-preserved and can be seen in the museum in a movie. The museum is barrier-free.

Opening hours - museum (summer): from March 15 to October 31, 2018
from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm
closed on Sundays and religious festivals
open on Easter Monday (Apr 2, 2018)
open on Whit Monday (May 20, 2018)
guided visit every 1st Wednesday of the month at 10 am (in German language)

Opening hours - museum (winter): from December 27, 2018, to January 5, 2019
from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm
closed on Sundays and religious festivals

Admission - museum:
5.00 Euros (adults), free for kids and young people under 14 years
2.50 Euros (schoolchildren, students)
free with the Museumcard or museumobil Card

Further information:
phone: +39 0473 843980, info@marienberg.it