Monte Maria Abbey is the highest Benedictine Abbey in Europe.
The Abbey of the Counts of Tarasp was built around 1200. The baroque church is the only three-aisled basilica in the Vinschgau Valley. The Romanesque conch portal of the 12th century has remained unchanged. Also noteworthy are the Gothic coloured plaster sculpture of Mary with Child and the fresco next to the portal from 1650 by H. J. Pfeil representing the founder Ulrich of Tarasp and Leopold of Austria with their coats of arms.
The crypt, consecrated in 1156, preserves Romanesque frescoes of Byzantine influence, considered among the most important in Europe. On the vault of the apse the figure of Christ is surrounded by the symbols of the Evangelists, Cherubim, Angels and Saints. The elongated figures of the Angels fit skilfully into the architectural partition that houses the celestial congregation. The faces are extraordinarily expressive and the eyes turn towards the central figure of Christ.
The museum is housed in some rooms of the buildings in the inner courtyard of the convent. In the showcases and rooms are displayed objects inspired by the Benedictine motto "ora et labora". There are also documents that refer to important events in the history of the abbey. The visitor is also introduced to the interpretation of the allegorical figures depicted in the crypt.
In some showcases there are documents and works of art that tell the daily life of the convent and the highlights of its almost millenary history.
