UNESCO Benedictine Monastery St. Johann, Müstair

Overview

The internationally-renowned Convent of St. John in Müstair enjoys UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing and owes its existence and uniqueness to Charlemagne. It is one of the few existing architectural examples from the Carolingian period.

With its magnificent frescoes, this 8th century convent houses the world's largest and best preserved early medieval picture cycles. The convent museum in the Planta tower enables the nuns to provide visitors with a glimpse of the convent's inner workings. Hence the Alpine region's oldest castle tower, dating back to 960, is now accessible. The exhibition presents 1,200 years of monastic and architectural history.

The Müstair-based Convent of St. John dating back to 775 with the world's largest cycle of early medieval frescoes from around 800 is a gem of fine art from the Carolingian period. The series of paintings adorns the entire church. In around 1200 the apses were painted over. Müstair owes its existence and distinctive character to Charlemagne.

The Carolingian church and its unique wall paintings raises this magnificent Alpine monastery to the standing of a World Heritage listed site. Join in the discoveries! The nuns have only recently opened the high-medieval Planta tower dating from 960 to the public. The cloister museum contains many cultural treasures from times past.

Nine rooms for single persons/married couples at the UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors are free to decide which activities they wish to take part in during their stay, and may participate in church prayers and the Eucharist. Meals are taken with guests of the convent in the dining room. The guesthouse chapel is available for reflection and meditation, and pastoral support is available. The nuns offer professionally-guided fasting weeks on several occasions during the year. Benedictine Monastery St. Johann, Müstair.

As the founder of the monastery died exactly 1200 years ago, the year 2014 has been named Charlemagne Year. The former ruler is honored with various musical and theater performances.