Benedictine Convent of St John in Müstair

The nuns open their doors

According to legend, the monastery complex in Val Müstair in the canton of Grisons, was founded in the 8th century by Charlemagne and was never fully destroyed. Well preserved, it still reveals building styles from several eras, and holds art treasures from more than twelve centuries. The wall paintings in the convent church were decisive for its acceptance on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the largest and best-preserved fresco cycle from the early Middle Ages. The nuns are still active in the convent today in the spirit of “ora et labora”, pray and work. Convent life, cultivation, the museum, research and restoration all merge to form a unique whole.