Abbey of Novacella: Between Faith, Culture and Beauty
In the heart of the Isarco Valley, just a few kilometres from Bressanone, lies one of South Tyrol’s most fascinating and complete sites: the Abbey of Novacella. Surrounded by vineyards, this ancient religious institution is not only an important spiritual centre but also a cultural, historical, and artistic landmark. Entering its gates means embarking on a journey through time, among Baroque frescoes, illuminated manuscripts, and a centuries-old winemaking tradition.
From the Origins to the Present: A History of Hospitality and Knowledge
The Abbey of Novacella was founded in 1142 by Blessed Hartmann, Bishop of Bressanone, with the support of the Burgrave of Sabiona Reginbert and his wife Christina. The purpose was clear: to offer shelter and assistance to pilgrims coming from Northern Europe, weary from their long journey across the Alps.
The abbey is still inhabited by the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine and is considered one of the largest and most complete monastic complexes in Tyrol.
A Blend of Styles: From Romanesque to Rococo
Walking through its buildings, one can clearly perceive the succession of eras. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, originally Gothic, was rebuilt in Alpine and Bavarian Baroque style in the 18th century by the architect Giuseppe Delai. Of the original Gothic complex, only the presbytery remains. The Chapel of San Michele—also known as the Castello dell’Angelo—recalls the form of the famous Roman structure and is one of the abbey’s most iconic buildings. The striking Well of Wonders, located in the courtyard, is a Renaissance masterpiece decorated with frescoes depicting the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, with an eighth side representing the Abbey itself, symbolising its spiritual and cultural centrality.
The Abbey Museum
Among frescoed halls, ancient liturgical objects, sacred vestments, and precious works of art, visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, discovering how faith, culture, and labour have shaped this place over the centuries.
The museum route guides visitors through the most evocative spaces of the abbey, including the renowned Baroque library, with its elegant stuccoes and thousands of ancient volumes, and the refectory, featuring an impressive 18th-century fresco. Of particular interest is also the section dedicated to wine production, a fundamental activity ensuring the abbey’s economic independence and a proud expression of South Tyrolean viticulture.
Visiting the museum is like stepping into a living story—a tale of spirituality, knowledge, art, and love for the land: an experience that moves, enriches, and inspires contemplation.
The Library: Paper and Knowledge
Among the abbey’s treasures, the library undoubtedly stands out. Spread over two floors, it contains about 65,000 volumes, including medieval manuscripts, illuminated codices, and rare works. The magnificent Rococo hall, designed in 1773 by Antonio Giuseppe Sartori, is one of the most captivating spaces to visit.
Here one breathes the spirit of a place where faith and knowledge have always gone hand in hand, making it over the centuries a beacon for scholars and intellectuals from across Europe.
The Abbey and the Vine: Wine that Tells the Story of the Land
The abbey’s winemaking tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. Even today, the Canons of Novacella produce renowned white wines from the vineyards surrounding the complex. This agricultural activity ensures the abbey’s economic self-sufficiency and preserves a living connection with the land.
Among the most celebrated varieties are Sylvaner, Kerner, Riesling, and Grüner Veltliner—fresh, mineral wines that tell the story of these sun-kissed hills and their enduring faith.
Not to Be Missed
- Guided tours of the church, cloister, library, and museum
- Guided vineyard tours and tastings of the Abbey’s wines
- The monastery garden, a haven of silence and renewal
- Temporary exhibitions and cultural events hosted within the complex
A Place to Experience with All the Senses
The Abbey of Novacella is not merely a historical site—it is a living, breathing place where spirituality, art, and nature meet each day. It is the ideal destination for those seeking a break from modern life, for lovers of authentic beauty, and for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in centuries of living history.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, a wine lover, or simply a curious traveller, the Abbey of Novacella will welcome you with its silence, its light, and its wisdom.