Marienberg Abbey, also known as Monte Maria - Benedictine abbey is located in the town of Mals in South Tyrol to the north of Italy. It was founded in 1149 or 1150 respectively Ulrich von Tarasp and other aristocrats. Standing at an altitude of 1340 meters above sea level is considered the Abbey of "high" in Europe. The building is clearly visible features of the Baroque style with some Romanesque elements, and inside perfectly preserved frescoes.

History of foundation of the abbey dates back to the Frankish king Charlemagne, which is between 780 and 786 years has laid a Benedictine monastery near Toubro, town, from the Vinschgau Valley bordering Switzerland. At the end of the 9th century Benedictine monastery was disbanded and re-opened as a convent for both sexes. About two hundred years later, there was a reorganization of another, when Eberhard Taraspsky built a monastery in the town of Scuol in the Inn Valley, where he moved the male population of the monastery Toubro. The nuns also remained in place. In 1131 Ulrich von Tarasp called in Toubro monks from the German monastery Ottobeuren - influx of novices will transform the monastery to the Abbey. So in 1149 on a hill near the village Burguzio a new municipality called Marienberg.

After about a hundred years after the founding of the Abbey had a serious conflict. It was looted twice, and in 1304 rector of the German was killed. Then the outbreak of the plague, which killed almost the entire population of the abbey, with the exception of four people. Among the survivors were the rector of Vigo and the novice Goswin, who later became a priest and chronicler of the history of the abbey. He wrote a history of Marienberg: The first book tells of the founding of the Abbey, the second - about the history of the abbots, and the third lists the privileges bestowed upon popes and rulers. Goswin was also a priest of the Austrian court of Duke Leopold III.

In 1418, Marienberg was burned down and later rebuilt. After a short period of neglect in the 16th century, several German monks of the abbey rebuilt and expanded it. In 1634 it became part of the Benedictine Congregation of Swabia. Later the library was significantly increased, and the younger novices become a duty for graduation. In 1724, the rector of John the Baptist Murray founded in Merano humanistic school, which is still controlled by the monks of the abbey. Today Marienberg specialized in adult education: the Abbey held weekend courses and implemented a long-term educational programs. In addition, you can order a special tour for this ancient building and the history of its inhabitants.