The Monastery of Sabiona: A Sanctuary Suspended in Time
Anyone who looks up toward the slopes above Chiusa cannot fail to notice the majestic silhouette of the Monastery of Sabiona, dominating the Isarco Valley from its rocky promontory. This sacred site, one of the oldest pilgrimage sanctuaries in Tyrol, is not only a jewel of spirituality but also a historical and artistic treasure of extraordinary beauty.
The monastic complex of Sabiona consists of three churches, each with its own history and distinctive character. The Church of the Holy Cross is the oldest and largest, forming the spiritual heart of the monastery; the Church of Our Lady, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, preserves frescoes and architectural elements from the Romanesque and Gothic periods; finally, the Chapel of Saint Mary, also known as the Chapel of Grace, is a small octagonal Romanesque jewel that has welcomed pilgrims in prayer for centuries.
A Path of Faith… and of Views
The monastery can be reached only on foot, following the ancient Way of the Cross that begins in the centre of Chiusa. Along the path, the Stations of the Passion of Christ alternate with breathtaking views of the valley, framed by vineyards, chestnut trees, and silence.
This route is not only a physical ascent but also a spiritual one: every step leads the visitor toward a place of contemplation, beauty, and inner peace.
From Episcopal Origins to Benedictine Life
Until 1535, Sabiona served as the episcopal seat and judicial centre of Tyrol. Legend holds that as early as the 5th century, the region’s first diocese was established here. After a lightning strike caused a devastating fire, the complex fell into ruin and remained abandoned for about a century.
Only in the 17th century, through the efforts of Father Matthias Jenner of Chiusa, did the refoundation of the monastery begin, and it was entrusted to Benedictine nuns.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Sabiona was used several times as a defensive fortress, particularly during the Napoleonic wars, further enhancing its mystical and legendary aura.
Artistic Treasures Not to Be Missed
The Chapel of Saint Mary
Next to the Church of Our Lady stands the evocative Chapel of Grace, with its octagonal plan and well-preserved Romanesque features: the circular apse, triumphal arch, and portions of the perimeter wall have survived through the centuries, offering a rare example of early medieval sacred architecture.
The Crucifix by Leonhard
Inside the Church of the Holy Cross, the most valuable artwork is the wooden crucifix carved by the sculptor Leonhard of Bressanone in the second half of the 15th century—an expressive and refined masterpiece of devotional art.
Perhaps even more iconic, however, is the image outside the church: a 12-metre-high crucifix on the apse wall, visible from afar, which for centuries has served as a symbol of salvation and protection for pilgrims making their way up the valley from the north.
An Experience of Faith, Nature, and Silence
Visiting Sabiona means discovering a millennia-old religious heritage and experiencing authenticity in its purest form—immersed in nature, silence, and the enduring spirituality of a place that has stood the test of time.