Benediktinerstift Marienberg
Benedictine abbey at 1,350 m above Burgusio, with the “Ora et labora” museum, Romanesque crypt, library and Schaudepot (the library and Schaudepot by guided tour only).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Benedictine abbey of Monte Maria (Marienberg) was founded in the 12th century by the nobles of Tarasp. At the end of the 16th century the monastery risked suppression, averted by the intervention of the Pope and the Tyrolean government; a new flourishing began under Abbot Matthias Lang at the start of the 17th century. In 1724 the abbey founded a humanistic gymnasium in Merano, which became a leading educational centre in the 19th century and closed in 1928 under political pressure. In 1807 the Bavarian government suppressed the monastery, which was restored in 1816. From 1946 to 1986 a private grammar school operated at Marienberg.
The monastery stands at about 1,350 metres on the slope above the village of Burgusio, along the road towards Slingia and the Watles. The cloister is not open to the public: visitors can see the “Ora et labora” museum, the abbey shop, the monastery café, the carriage hall and the abbey church. The crypt with its famous Romanesque angels, the library, the church of Santo Stefano and the Schaudepot are only accessible on a guided tour.
The museum, on the ground floor of the former economic wing restored between 2004 and 2008, opened in 2007 and uses films and objects to show the daily life of the monks according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. The Schaudepot, opened in 2021 in the former library rooms, houses the teaching collection of the former Benedictine gymnasium of Merano, with physics instruments, taxidermied animals and minerals. During restoration work a Romanesque beamed ceiling and parts of what is believed to be the oldest log house in Europe came to light.
Highlights
- “Ora et labora” museum on the daily life of Benedictine monks
- Romanesque crypt with angels (guided tour only)
- Abbey church from the late 12th century
- Schaudepot with the teaching collection of the former Merano gymnasium
- Historic library and church of Santo Stefano (guided tour only)
Permanent exhibitions
- Museo «Ora et labora» – Route with films and objects on the daily life of the Benedictine monks and their work over the centuries.
- Schaudepot – Teaching collection of the former Benedictine gymnasium of Merano, visitable only on a guided tour by reservation.
- Founded
- 2007
- Operated by
- Benediktinerstift Marienberg
- Visitors per year
- approx. 16,885
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3schoolchildren and students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 13 · Children up to 14 free if accompanied by their parents. |
| Students & apprentices | €3Schoolchildren and students. |
| Groups | €4.50 per personReduced group rate, per person. |
| Complete route (crypt, library, Schaudepot) with museum visit | €27 |
| Single guided tour (crypt, library, church of Santo Stefano, Schaudepot or church) with museum visit | €10.50Combinations on request. |
Booking is required for guided tours, by e-mail or telephone.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum, the abbey shop and the abbey church are barrier-free; the guest house only partly.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
South Tyrol bus service to Burgusio; from the village a short signposted path (Benediktsteig) leads directly to the monastery.
By car
Free parking
Free parking for cars, motorhomes and coaches about 100 m before the monastery, along the road towards Slingia and the Watles; parking in front of the abbey is not allowed (except for wheelchair users).
The monastery is at about 1,350 m above sea level, above the village of Burgusio.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Klostercafé from 1 May to 31 October, Monday–Saturday 10:30–17:30; abbey shop. Animals are not admitted to the museum or during guided tours.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The guest house offers seminar rooms (on request via the website); no spaces for private events are listed for the museum.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours in German from 15 March to 31 October: Monday, Wednesday and Friday complete route at 13:30; Tuesday and Thursday crypt at 10:30, library at 11:15 and Santo Stefano at 15:00 (bilingual); Saturday crypt at 10:30 and library at 11:15. Booking required by e-mail or telephone. |
