Säben Monastery
The former Benedictine Abbey on Mt. Säben near Klausen is a popular landmark in South Tyrol and lies high above Eisacktal valley.
Mt. Säbener Berg with several churches and the former monastery is a place steeped in history. Säben was already inhabited in the Neolithic Age and later an important early Christian centre developed here from a late Roman settlement. The bishop resided here until the transfer of the episcopal seat to Brixen around the year 960. Säben Castle remained an episcopal fortress and administrative centre for the southern areas of the Brixen diocese for several centuries afterwards.
Churches & Monastery
In 1686, a new monastery was built on Mount Säben. A few years later, it was elevated to the status of an abbey and housed Benedictine nuns until it was abandoned in 2021. Archaeological and historical documentation is available in both the Liebfrauen Church and the Sacred Cross Church on Mt. Säbener Berg. Both churches and also the Chapel of Grace are freely accessible to visitors during opening hours. The former monastery and the convent church, on the other hand, cannot currently be visited.
Only accessible on foot
Säben Monastery is located in an imposing position above the town of Klausen and can be seen from far away. From the historic centre of Klausen you can walk along the Way of the Cross or the promenade up to the churches and the monastery. If you combine both paths, you make a short circular hike and are rewarded with diverse views of Eisacktal valley and the surrounding mountains.
Images

View of the vineyards, Säben Monastery and the Plose hiking area in the background
© IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz
View of Säben Monastery high above Klausen
© IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz
View of the South Tyrolean city Klausen in the middle of Eisacktal
© IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz
View of the Säbener Berg in Klausen with the eponymous monastery and Branzoll Castle on its southern slope.
© Tourismusverein Klausen - Helmut Moling
In summer, the monastery's guesthouse also welcomes pilgrims and guests.
© Internet Consulting - Isabel Gräber
The picturesque monastery above Klausen dates back to the 17th century and is still inhabited by cloistered nuns.
© Internet Consulting - Isabel Gräber
The Säben Monastery, is near the town of Chiusa, located on the mountain Säbener and it is inhabited by nuns.
© Internet Consulting - Isabel Gräber