Klausen, Timeless and Charming

Charming town between river and vineyards

On one side flows the Eisack River, on the other rise the vineyards, and between them lies a small town that gained importance early on. Klausen was first mentioned in a document in 1027 as Clausa sub Sabiona sita. The reference to the Säben hill in its name is no coincidence: high above the town stands the impressive Säben Monastery. Between 800 and 1000, Säben was the seat of the bishops. For more than 300 years, Benedictine nuns shaped life here according to the principles of ora et labora - prayer and work - until they left the monastery in 2021. Since autumn 2024, pastoral care for pilgrims has been entrusted to the Cistercian Abbey of Heiligenkreuz under Father Kosmas Thielmann. The path from the town up the hill leads directly into this remarkable piece of history.

A walk through the old town reveals narrow lanes, bay windows and pastel-coloured houses. One detail quickly catches the eye: the beautifully crafted signs of the inns, a true hallmark of the town. And then there are the artists. In 1494, Albrecht Dürer passed through Klausen on his journey to Italy, later depicting the town in his famous engraving Nemesis. Klausen became known as the “Dürer town”, and by the end of the 19th century it had developed into an artists’ colony, where painters, writers and intellectuals gathered in search of inspiration. Inns, studios and artists’ parlours still recall that creative era today.

Coming together has always been an important part of life in Klausen. Whether at the monthly or farmers’ markets, the Gassladvent Christmas market or the Easter market, the town’s events bring the old streets to life. It is no surprise that Klausen is counted among the most beautiful historic centres in Italy and proudly bears the title “Uno dei Borghi più belli d’Italia”.

Discover gourmet markets

1 1