Mustair - Lü

The Abbey of Saint John is an ancient Benedictine monastery in the Val Müstair, and a traditional starting point for the Way of St. James through Switzerland. By reason of its exceptionally well-preserved heritage of Carolingian art, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It has a famous statue of Charlemagne in the Abbey, as well as historic frescos, some of which were hidden for renovation when we were there.

To begin this exciting new adventure we took the post bus from Zernez to Müstair, starting off in torrential rain to Lü, the start of the climb over the Costainer pass.

Later, at the end of the week, we returned in better weather to visit the abbey and monastery, later a convent, and walked the "Eight church way" from Taufers, on the Italian side of the border, visiting the churches and chapels on the way. There is much to see and the arrival above the abbey, well worth the walk. (We had decided to take a day off walking!) On walking the Graübunden Way, we were amazed at the fact that one could never tell from the outside of a chapel or church, how it was going to be on the inside; this whole area is so rich in religious art, but given that the people voted to become Reformed back in the 16c, some had kept the Roman Cathollic art and others white-washed over it. Others had covered it only to discover it many years later and, especially in later years, recognise the importance of these historic frescos.