Abbazia di San Gallo

Abbazia di San Gallo is a baroque Benedictine abbey on Santo Spirito hill with a single-nave church built in the 17th century. The complex also preserves a medieval tower and interior spaces decorated with religious artworks.

The monastery was founded in 1085 by Frederick of Moravia, the Patriarch of Aquileia, on a site that had previously held a Roman observation post. Over the centuries the structure underwent various transformations and at times served as a fortress and later as a courthouse.

The monks who lived here shaped the spiritual identity of the valley for centuries through their daily prayers and work. Their presence brought learning and hospitality to a remote mountain region that otherwise had little contact with the wider world.

Visitors can explore the outer architecture and hillside location, though interior access is typically limited to monastic communities and pilgrims. If interested in visiting inside, contact the abbey beforehand to confirm whether a visit can be arranged.

The tower now part of the monastery originally served as a medieval fortification with its own distinct history. It was later converted into a courthouse and even briefly functioned as a prison during the Napoleonic era.