Charlemagne and the early Middle Ages
The Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair was established in the 8th century. Charlemagne is said to have founded it, as evidenced by the statue in the convent church. The convent complex was built all at once. The convent church and Chapel of the Holy Cross still remain from the Carolingian period.
The central apse is currently not accessible owing to restoration work.
The church - the centrepiece of the convent
The convent church was originally reserved for the monastic community alone. Today it is a parish church and place of worship for all believers. Church services are held here regularly in summer. In summer the nuns also pray the Liturgy of the Hours in the convent church.
The convent church of St Johann in Müstair is home to the world's largest and best-preserved cycle of frescoes from the early Middle Ages. Carolingian and Romanesque paintings adorn the walls and the three apses. The paintings depict the life of King David from the Old Testament, the childhood, ministry and suffering of Jesus, and the ascension and second Coming of Christ. The apses are dedicated to saints and martyrs: St John the Baptist, St Stephen, St Peter and St Paul.
On a guided tour of the church visitors can learn about the architecture and history of the monastery, and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of images that was originally reserved for monks, nuns and clergy. The centre apse of the church is currently being restored and is only open to the public on special occasions.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross: a jewel from Carolingian times
Nowadays the chapel of the Holy Cross is set apart from the pathway to the church, but in the 8th century it was directly incorporated in the monastic complex. The upper floor was richly decorated with paintings, marble and stucco. It was used as a chapel, while the basement was originally a crypt and became the funeral chapel at the beginning of the 16th century.
On the outside, the building was decorated with rich architectural paintings. In the course of restoration work, figurative paintings from the Carolingian period were discovered on the east gable. This discovery is unique in Europe. In the basement beams felled in 785 and 788 can be seen, on one of them the miller's game. This is probably the oldest dated beam ceiling in Europe. The original Carolingian mortar floor is still preserved in the choir room on the upper floor.
Following the completion of restoration work, since autumn 2018 this jewel has been open to be visited on a guided tour. The chapel on the upper floor was newly consecrated by Auxiliary Bishop Marian Eleganti and can be used as a sacred space. You will find the dates of advertised guided tours in our calendar of events. Guided tours can also be organised on other dates on request.
To the calendar of events
Unexpected Objects, Stories and Perspectives
Past and present come together in the convent museum.
Exhibitions
Opening hours:
The church is open daily. The Holy Cross Chapel can only be visited with a guided tour.
Information is available in the monastery shop.
+41 (0)81 858 61 89
visit-museum@muestair.ch
Opening hours for guided tours:
May - October: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Sundays and public holidays: 1.30 - 5.00 pm
November - April: 10.00 am - 12 noon and 1.30 - 4.30 pm
Sundays and public holidays: 1.30 - 4.30 pm
25 December closed all day
Public holidays open from 1.30 pm:
1 January | Good Friday | Easter Monday | Ascension Day | Whit Monday |
1 August | 15 August | 1 November | 2 November | 26 December
