The Chapter Museum of San Candido: A Treasure of History and Spirituality

Next to the majestic Collegiate Church of San Candido, a symbol of Alta Pusteria, stands one of the oldest buildings in the region — guardian of a historical and artistic heritage of inestimable value. This ancient palace, now home to the Museum, Archive, and Library of the Collegiate Church, is a place of extraordinary significance where time seems to have stood still.

The building has preserved its original appearance since the 16th century, retaining the charm of a distant era. The painted decorations that adorn the windows, created by artists from the Brixen School around 1550, represent a rare example of local Renaissance art.

A Journey Through History in the Museum’s Halls

The museum spans seven exhibition rooms, offering a fascinating journey through the centuries. Here, ancient manuscripts tell the long story of the Collegiate Church of San Candido, the oldest in Tyrol, bearing witness to centuries of spiritual and artistic activity.

One of the most striking parts of the visit is the exhibition of the cathedral treasure — a collection of precious objects, mostly crafted by local artists, reflecting the wealth and artistic devotion of the site. Among chalices, reliquaries, and sacred vestments, each displayed item holds a story of faith and craftsmanship.

The building was not only a cultural and religious center but also a place of daily life. On the ground floor were once storage rooms for food supplies, essential to the community. On the upper floor were the study and work areas: the chapter hall, the decision-making heart of the collegiate, the library, a repository of knowledge, and the archive, which safeguarded valuable historical documents. The rooms of the librarians and teachers were also located here, along with the dormitory that housed the clerics.

Did you know?

The Collegiate Library preserves ancient texts that hold centuries of history, making it one of the most valuable collections in the region and one of the oldest libraries in Tyrol.

A Place Where Art, Faith, and History Intertwine

The Chapter Museum of San Candido offers an immersion into a past rich in spirituality, culture, and tradition. Each room, manuscript, and work of art tells a story of this extraordinary place, which has endured through the centuries while preserving its beauty and significance.