Novacella Abbey Museum

One of the most important monasteries in Tyrol and today one of the 12 destinations of the Culturonda, a South Tyrolean cultural course, is located in Novacella near Varna, about 3 km north of Bressanone. Its foundation dates back to the 12th century and Hartmann von Brixen, then Bishop of Bressanone. In addition to the Novacella Abbey (Kloster Neustift), which was then built near the bishop's town but in a lonely place, a hospital was also founded. Until its dissolution in the 15th or 16th century, travellers, pilgrims, the sick and the poor were cared for there.

Under Napoleon, Tyrol's monasteries were also secularised, but monastery operations were resumed in 1816. In WWII it was misused as a supply camp and partly destroyed, but since 1949 the Novacella Abbey shines again in its Baroque splendour and is widely known as a sight. Augustinian monks still live in the monastery, which also houses a winery, an education centre and a hostel for students. Famous is the Baroque Collegiate Church of Our Lady, a Basilica minor with beautiful frescoes and rocaille stucco. The cloister with its Gothic ribbed vault and valuable late Gothic frescoes by Michael Pacher as well as the historic garden adjoin the basilica.

Also worth seeing are the magnificent library with its valuable collection of handwritings and the pinacotheca with the remarkable collection of Gothic panel painting. In 2020-21, the Chinese Cabinet, an antechamber to the library room, was brought to light and can be admired during a visit. The restoration of the Chinese paintings and medallions with exotic birds, which were particularly popular in the 18th century, was completed in 2021. In 2024, a series of 12 baroque and recently-restored paintings by the South German artist Albrecht Altdorfer has been purchased. The works are authentic reproductions and seven of them are identical to the lost original paintings. And how to reach the Novacella Abbey Museum?

The complex is located about 3 km from Bressanone. A free parking awaits you at the entrance to the monastery grounds. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed! On foot, you may reach it on the Valle Isarco Wine and Apple Trail, the Bressanone Vineyard Trail or the Karlspromenade. Also the Upper Valle Isarco Cycle Path between Bressanone and Brennero passes near it.