Photo: Paul Bissegger · CC BY-SA 4.0 · editedAbbaye de Saint-Maurice
- Visit: 90 min
- Not step-free
Open today 13:30–17:00Enfants (6-16 ans) CHF 10 · Famille (parents et 2 enfants) CHF 39
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Why go
- The treasury, where about 70 rare pieces are on show.
- The archaeological site under a 1200 m² translucent roof, where the ruins show the abbey's history.
Plan your visit
Opening times
Closed on 1 Jan, 3 Apr, 25 May, 1 Nov, 25 Dec
Prices
From the venue's website · checked 10 Nov 2026
Don't miss
- The 11th-century bell towerOlder than the church it stands against. Its lower floor holds a baptistery decorated by Madeline Diener.West side of the nave11th century
- Baptistery of the early basilicaIt dates from the first basilica at the foot of the rock and can still be visited. A baptismal font from the early basilica is still visible.At the foot of the rock, on the site of the first basilicaearly 6th century
- Coloured stained-glass windowsMade by Edmond Bille.In the church1946–1950
- Monumental pipe organPaid for by photographer Céline Laguarde.In the church1950
- Foundations in the Cour du MartoletThe oldest foundations in the Cour du Martolet date from Roman times.Cour du Martolet, part of the siteRoman period
Know before you go
- From 1 April to 31 October, the abbey is open 11:00–17:30.
- From 1 November to 31 December, it is open 13:30–17:00.
- Closed on 1 January, 3 April, 25 May, 1 November and 25 December.
- It was fully closed in January, February and March 2026.
- Allow about one and a half hours for the visit.
- Guided tours of the heritage site and treasury run once a month.
- Groups of 10 or more can book a special opening early in the year.
- To ask about a visit, phone +41 24 486 04 04.
Legends and hidden details
- According to legend, the Theban Legion was massacred here on the orders of Maximian, between 285 and 306.
- According to tradition, the soldiers were executed for refusing to swear oaths to the gods before a battle.
- According to tradition, Theodore, first bishop of Octodurus, found the martyrs' relics and spread their cult.
Services and visiting hours
- December Advent tours
- 16:30 on two pairs of days, for children and adults
Interesting facts6
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Former pupils include Sepp Blatter, Alphons Egli, Pascal Couchepin and Jean-Pierre Roth.
Abbey of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune - Wikipedia -
The brewery, fully owned by the abbey, produces three beers.
Abbey of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune - Wikipedia -
130000 ancient
The archives and library hold about 130000 ancient works.
Abbaye de St-Maurice, 1500 ans d'histoire - Abbaye de Saint-Maurice -
The nonstop chanting was borrowed from the eastern empire.
Abtei Saint-Maurice - Wikipedia -
The name Agaune comes from a Gaulish word meaning 'pointed rock'.
Abbaye territoriale de Saint-Maurice - Wikipedia -
100 square
Beyond the monastery, the abbey is a territorial abbey covering almost 100 square kilometres.
Abtei Saint-Maurice - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
The abbey was founded in 515 by King Sigismund, son of King Gundobad, and it still exists today. It is considered the oldest monastery in the western world that has existed without interruption. Under Sigismund it became the most important abbey of the kingdom in the following decades. Its origins lie in a shrine built over the grave of Mauritius and his companions, the martyrs of the Theban Legion. Architect Claude Jacottet led the rebuilding from 1946 to 1950. A commission report found at least 67 cases of sexualised violence at the abbey between 1960 and 2024.
- Roman periodA Roman customs post on the gorge taxed goods passing through the site.
- around 380Bishop Theodore moved the martyrs' relics into caves at the foot of the rock gate.
- 515King Sigismund founded the monastery, which became the most important abbey of the kingdom.
- 888Rudolph I was crowned here and made the abbey a royal residence.
- 1128Canons regular replaced the earlier monks and adopted the Rule of St Augustine.
Show all
- 1614–1624The church was rebuilt, turned 90 degrees from the old plan after rockfall damage.
- 1942A rockfall destroyed the church tower, porch and organ.
- 1948Pope Pius XII raised the church to basilica minor status.
How to get there
- 5 minOn footFrom the railway station, about a 5-minute walk to the abbey.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access to the archaeological site The archaeological site is not wheelchair accessible.
- Visit for wheelchair users Only a partial visit is possible for wheelchair users.
- Parking Car parks and a coach drop-off area are nearby.
Sources: Abbey of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune - Wikipedia · Abbaye de St-Maurice, 1500 ans d'histoire - Abb… · Votre Visite - Abbaye de Saint-Maurice · Visite guidée mensuelle du site patrimonial et … · Abtei Saint-Maurice - Wikipedia · Abbaye territoriale de Saint-Maurice - Wikipedia · Abbazia territoriale di San Maurizio d'Agauno -… · checked 3 Nov 2026
- Website
- abbaye-stmaurice.ch/
- Phone
- +41 24 486 04 04
Questions and answers
How much does a ticket to Abbaye de Saint-Maurice cost?
Children aged 6 to 16 pay 10 CHF. A family ticket for two parents and two children costs 39 CHF.
How long does a visit to Abbaye de Saint-Maurice take?
Plan about 1h30 for the visit. The route covers the treasury, the heritage site and a temporary exhibition.
How do I get to Abbaye de Saint-Maurice from the station?
The railway station is about a 5-minute walk from the abbey at Avenue d'Agaune 19. By car, take motorway A9 at exit 20; car parks and a coach drop-off area are nearby.
What are the opening hours of Abbaye de Saint-Maurice?
From 1 April to 31 October it is open 11:00–17:30. From 1 November to 31 December it is open 13:30–17:00. It is closed on 1 January, 3 April, 25 May, 1 November and 25 December.
Are children welcome at Abbaye de Saint-Maurice?
Children aged 6 to 16 pay 10 CHF. The Advent tours in December, at 16:30, are designed for both children and adults.
Is Abbaye de Saint-Maurice wheelchair accessible?
Not fully. The archaeological site is not wheelchair accessible, so wheelchair users can only make a partial visit.
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