Saint John Abbey, Benedictine monastery in Santa Maria Val Müstair, Switzerland.
Saint John Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in the southern Swiss Alps situated along ancient trade routes, combining medieval architecture with religious artworks. The buildings display different construction styles and hold a remarkable collection of wall paintings spanning several centuries.
The monastery emerged during Charlemagne's era and was first inhabited by monks before becoming a nunnery in the 12th century. This transformation marked a major shift in the site's history and its role in the region.
The monastery walls display layers of medieval frescoes showing biblical scenes and religious teachings. These artworks shape how the spaces look today and tell stories from centuries past.
The monastery welcomes visitors and offers the chance to walk through its historical rooms. The warmer months are best for visiting, as its Alpine location means snowy winters limit access.
The monastery preserves the largest series of figurative murals from the Carolingian period in Switzerland, kept intact through centuries of continuous religious use. This exceptional collection makes the site a rare window into the artistic world of the early Middle Ages.
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