Abbey of Saint-Maurice
Wallis
The Abbey of Saint Maurice, located in the Canton of Valais, Switzerland, is one of the oldest continuously operating monasteries in the Western world, founded in the 6th century on the site of a Roman shrine. It is renowned for its connection to the martyrdom of Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion, which inspired the establishment of a religious community commemorating their sacrifice. The abbey became a significant religious and political center under King Sigismund of Burgundy in the early 6th century and was notable for pioneering the practice of perpetual psalmody (laus perennis), a continuous chant sung day and night by rotating choirs until the 9th century. Architecturally, the abbey has evolved over fifteen centuries, with archaeological remains revealing multiple successive churches and crypts dating from Roman times through the Carolingian era. Throughout its history, it has been a royal residence and a territorial abbacy independent of any diocese, preserving an impressive collection of art and relics, including the famed Ewer of Saint-Maurice. Today, the abbey remains active with a community of Augustinian canons and operates a respected secondary school, while also embracing modern initiatives such as its own brewery producing beers with historic yeast strains. Its location near a strategic mountain pass has historically subjected it to military and political influences, yet it remains a Swiss heritage site of national significance and a symbol of enduring spiritual and cultural legacy.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the abbey's official website for current opening hours and special events. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when the cultural season is active. Booking guided tours or tickets in advance can enhance the experience, especially during peak tourist periods. The abbey offers educational tours and access to its archaeological site and treasury, with possible discounts for groups and students. Exploring the nearby college and brewery can provide a broader cultural context to the visit.
Interesting facts
- •The Abbey practices laus perennis, a continuous chant sung day and night by rotating choirs, starting from the 6th century until the 9th century.
- •The abbey is built on the ruins of a Roman shrine dedicated to Mercury from the 1st century B.C.
- •It houses the Ewer of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune, one of the richest and best-preserved treasures in Western Europe.
- •The abbey was conferred the title of the See of Bethlehem in perpetuity by Pope Gregory XVI in 1840.
- •In 2019, the abbey started its own brewery using yeast from a parchment dated 1319.
History
The Abbey of Saint Maurice was founded in 515 by King Sigismund of Burgundy on the site of a Roman shrine dedicated to Mercury, commemorating the martyrdom of Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion around the late 3rd century.
Initially a monastic basilica, it became a center for the innovative practice of perpetual psalmody starting around 522.
Over the centuries, the abbey was controlled by various rulers, including the House of Savoy from the 11th century, and served as a royal residence for the Kings of Burgundy.
In 1128, the community of canons regular replaced the monks, adopting the Rule of St.
Augustine, which continues today.
Despite the political and military upheavals due to its strategic location, the abbey has maintained its religious functions uninterrupted for over 1500 years.
Place Guide
Basilica of Saint Maurice6th century onwards
The main church of the abbey, originally built in the early 6th century under King Sigismund, rebuilt multiple times, featuring a Carolingian crypt dating from the 4th to 8th centuries and a polygonal apse from the 7th century.
Crypts and Archaeological Site4th to 11th century
Excavations have revealed a series of four main churches built successively from the 5th to the 11th century, along with baptistries and crypts dating back to Roman times, showcasing the abbey’s long architectural evolution.
Abbey Treasury
Home to a rich collection of religious art and antiquities, including the famous Ewer of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune, representing some of the finest preserved medieval treasures in Europe.
Abbey Brewery2019
A modern initiative started in 2019 producing three types of beer, using yeast strains preserved on a parchment from 1319, blending historical tradition with contemporary craft brewing.
Contact
Phone: 024 486 04 04
