Culture

South Tyrol has inherited a rich number of cultural and natural treasures. In addition to “Ötzi”, the “Iceman,”, historical buildings, such as the countless and mysterious monasteries and castles, beckon you to explore this exciting region.

Culture
South Tyrol has inherited a rich number of cultural and natural treasures. In addition to “Ötzi”, the “Iceman,”, historical buildings, such as the countless and mysterious cloisters and castles, beckon you to explore this exciting region.

Säben Monastery above Klausen, the “Tyrolean Acropolis”

The mountain atop which the Säben Monastery is enthroned was already settled during the Neolithic Age and is considered one of the oldest pilgrimage destinations in Tyrol. The accompanying Holy Cross church was the Episcopal see of the Sabiona diocese for 400 years. Circa 1000 A.D. the see was relocated to Brixen.

For 300 years nuns of the Benedictine order have lived in seclusion inn this seemingly defenseless monastery; currently there are eleven of them in residence here. The Marienkapelle, the Liebfrauenkirche, the Klosterkirche, the Jubiläumsbrunnen and the church of the Holy Cross are especially worth seeing.

From the small town of Klausen you can reach the monastery complex in approximately 45 minutes via the Saben promenade; on the crossroad in approximately 30 minutes…
Note: Every year in June in the neighboring village the so called “Gerichtsumgang“ pilgrimage begins at the small church toward Ritzlar at 2300 m (Latzfonser Crossing) – the highest pilgrimage destination in all of Europe!

Neustift Monastery

The Augustine monastery Chorherrenstift Neustift, founded in 1142 by the Brixner bishop Hartmann, has made history since its inception. From the very beginning it functioned as an often visited hostel during pilgrimages to the Holy Land or to Rome. The monastery was one of the centers of spiritual life in Europe.

The famous monastery library, the extensive educational activities and the popular basement tavern remain witnesses to the legendary history. Economically, the monastery was and remains mostly independent thanks to its forests, fields, vineyards, wood production, mill and wine production.
Since the days of Medieval Latin and scripture schools, students have been and remain a vital part of the monastery. Education and guidance of young people is part of the monastery’s mission with respect to God’s central role in human life. The program extends adult education with courses and seminars in various subjects.

 

Based on years of experience, the grapes of the corresponding wineries are pressed in the cellars of Neustift and Girland (Marklhof) using the most modern technology available. The monastery’s tavern provides our wines and delights the taste buds of customers and experts alike.

 

Ötzi, the Ice Man, View into History

Ötzi, South Tyrol’s most famous inhabitant, has been on exhibit at the Bozen archaeological museum since 1998 (picture: reconstruction). The partially exposed body was found and pulled from the ice on the Similaun glacier which lies between the back of the Schnals valley and Austria.

Ötzi is kept in a specially developed chamber at a precise temperature of -6 degrees Celsius and a humidity level of 98%. An entire floor of the museum provides insight into his daily life, clothing of fur and grasses, and equipment.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Open holidays, closed Mondays

Closed: 1 January, 1 May and 25 December

NOTE: Findings from the stone age through the early middle ages can also be viewed in the archeological museum!

The Juval bei Naturns castle, home of Reinhold Messner

Named for Juval, a part of Kastelbell, the castle is enthroned high over the entryway to the Schnals valley. In 1983 Reinhold Messner acquired the complex, which was built in the thirteenth century. Since that time the Juval castle is a museum, winery, organic farm and wine tavern in one.

A mask collection from five continents, the largest collection in the world of Tibet art and a gallery with pictures of mountains will greatly impress you. The Den of Enlightenment,” the “House of Trolls and Gnomes” and the expedition cellar with Reinhold Messner’s gear also await you.
Since 1995 the Juval castle has been available to the public:
Palm Sunday – 30 June
1 September – beginning of November
Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed Wednesdays
In the summer Reinhold Messner occupies the castle himself

NOTE: Reach the castle by shuttle bus from the parking lot or over the Stabner or Tscharser Waalweg!

 

Gilfenklamm near Sterzing, one of nature’s unique spectacles

At Ratschings, near Sterzing in the Wipp valley, you’ll find the Gilfenklamm, which you can reach by walking on the newly erected footbridges (see picture).

The gorge was christened the “Emperor Franz Josef gorge” a century ago and is known today at the Gilfen gorge. What began as the small Ratschinger brook transformed itself into a raging mass of water that has cleared a path through the marble across the centuries.

This is where you can experience the uniqueness and elemental forces of nature…

NOTE: The Gilfen gorge can be viewed from the beginning of May to the end of October for a small fee!


Churburg near Schulderns, proud fortress installation in Vinschgau

The fortress at the entrance to the Matscher Valley consists of design elements of the romantic and gothic eras as well as the Renaissance (picture: the view from Schluderns).

The Madonna sculpture and the gravestones in the fortress chapel, the painted arcade with the Renaissance arches made from Laaser marble fascinate all who see them.

You can also visit:
The Jacob room and Jacob chapel (16th century)
The Matscher hall with its ancestral halls
The largest private armament chamber in the world
The workshop room with the so-called “Lutschernen”

NOTE: the fortress can be visited from 20 March to 31 October – definitely a must-see!


Marienberg, Europe’s highest Benedictine abbey

The Marienberg monastery in the Malser area at 1340 m.
This highest Benedictine abbey in all of Europe was founded in the twelfth century by the Tarasp nobility and has a long history in education: the monks established a humanistic school (Gymnasium) in Meran and in the twentieth century Marienberg accommodated a private gymnasium for a long period. Today the monks are involved in adult education: weekend courses and monastic retreats offer reflection and meditation in evermore times…

The crypt, with its well-maintained frescoes, is especially worth seeing while on tour of the monastery:
1 May – 30 June: 10:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
1 July – 30 September: 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
1 November – 30 April: by reservation only

No tours on Saturday afternoons, Sunday, and holidays
Groups (over ten people), kindly reserve in advance!

NOTE: At present the monastery has eleven members: seven priests and four brothers live by the rules of the Benedictine order!