Muri-Gries Abbey, Benedictine abbey and winery in Gries district, Bolzano, Italy
Muri-Gries Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and winery located in the Gries quarter of Bolzano. The complex features medieval towers and walls alongside a Baroque church decorated with extensive interior frescoes.
The monastery originated as an Augustinian community in 1406, then transferred to Swiss Benedictine monks in 1845 when Austrian authorities reorganized religious houses. This change brought new monastic traditions to the site.
The church bears the name of Saint Augustine and shows how the Benedictine community merged their spiritual life with everyday work in the surrounding vineyards. Visitors encounter painted vaults and detailed frescoes throughout the interior that reflect the monks' reverence for art and beauty.
The grounds welcome visitors most days, with religious services held primarily in German. Wine tastings can be arranged at the monastery, giving guests insight into how the monks produce their wines from vineyard to cellar.
The bell tower holds one of South Tyrol's heaviest bells, a remarkable piece of metalwork that visitors can hear ring throughout the quarter. The vineyards stretching around the abbey represent a long-standing economic heritage that the monks actively manage and harvest year after year.
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