Benedictine Convent of St John in Müstair

Overview

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Müstair

Graubünden

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Contact

UNESCO World Heritage in Switzerland
Phone +41 (0)31 544 31 15
ourheritage.ch

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Intro

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.

Guesthouse
Nine rooms for single persons/married couples. 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.

Getting there: From Zernez by bus to Müstair Clostra Son Jon or by car direction Zernez / Müstair

Opening hours: Open all year

Guided tours:

The Holy Cross Chapel is a gem from the Carolingian period, with Europe's oldest dated wooden beam ceiling and fragments of paintings spanning 12 centuries. Restoration of the upper storey, with its treasures, is currently under way. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to visit the 8th-century chapel.

World Heritage Experience Switzerland

Free entry to museums

General information

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Season	All year
Time required	2 to 4 hours (half day)
Suitable for children with age	14+ years
Suitable for	Groups, Individual, Couples
Weather	Indoor
Category	Culture, Education

Group & pricing information

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Language	German, Italian
Group Size	6 - 25

Booking Information

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Additional information	Experiences in the World Heritage Attractive offers associated with Switzerland’s natural and cultural treasures. 13 places are on the roster of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Convince yourself of the uniqueness of these places by visiting them.