Klausen (Chiusa): Culture, Monasteries and Trails

Art and Monastery in Chiusa

Klausen can be explored through places where art, religious history and trails come together. The Museo Civico di Chiusa is located in the former Capuchin monastery. One section is dedicated to the artists’ colony of Chiusa, which existed from 1874 to 1914. The museum tour also includes the cloister and the church of the Capuchin monastery. In this way, the visit combines a museum, monastery and ecclesiastical space. If you choose Klausen as a cultural destination, you will gain a focused introduction to these three themes.

The Loreto Treasure and the Churches

The Loreto Treasure comprises a valuable collection of paintings and religious objects. It was donated by the Spanish kings and other prominent figures at the Spanish court to Father Gabriel Pontifeser and the Capuchin monastery of Chiusa. The parish church of Sant’Andrea is late Gothic and was consecrated in 1494. The Capuchin church was built in 1699 and consecrated in 1701. This combination of works of art, religious objects and architectural history takes you through several historical layers of Klausen.

Sabiona: Footpath and Religious Art

Sabiona offers a second perspective. The monastery of Sabiona can be reached exclusively on foot via the Via Crucis in around 30 minutes. This approximate duration and the fact that access is exclusively on foot are directly relevant to planning your day. The Chiesa di Nostra Signora on Sabiona houses Baroque frescoes, monumental stucco work and an altar dating from 1612. Those wishing to combine culture and religious sites will find a historic interior here.

Albrecht Dürer and Monte Tschan

Monte Tschan also combines landscape and history. Albrecht Dürer stayed in Chiusa in the autumn of 1494 and climbed the slopes of Monte Tschan on the left side of the valley. The Dürerstein Trail from Chiusa leads to the slopes of Monte Tschan and, after a few minutes, to a bench. This gives you a concrete connection to the landscape if you are interested in historical traces beyond buildings as well.

Another Trail to Sabiona

The Chestnut Trail offers another route to Sabiona: its second stage leads through the northern portal into the monastery of Sabiona. For planning your excursion, this trail adds a distinct stage to the historic and religious setting of the area.

A Culinary Accent

A culinary accent can be found at the Festa del Törggelen. A rich selection of white wines from the Isarco Valley complements the culinary offering. Alongside museums, churches and trails, this adds a regional aspect of enjoyment. If you would like to combine different interests on your holiday, Klausen offers points of connection between culture, landscape and wine.

Culture and Trails at Your Own Travel Pace

When choosing your hotel in Klausen, you can set your personal focus between culture and trails. Ask yourself whether you would rather spend the day visiting museums and churches or walking to Sabiona and through the landscape of Monte Tschan. This allows you to align your accommodation choice with your own travel pace without reducing the destination to just one type of experience.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

Villnöß, Villanders, Natz-Schabs, Lüsen, Rodeneck, Meransen, Brixen and Barbian

For the overarching travel overview: Isarco Valley.