The Abbey of Marienberg, also known as Monte Maria, is a Benedictine Abbey located in the town * Mels in South Tyrol in Northern Italy. It was founded in 1149 or 1150, Ulrich von Tarasp and other aristocrats. Standing at a height of 1340 metres above sea level, this Abbey is considered the "high" in Europe. In the building are clearly visible features of the Baroque style with some Romanesque elements, and inside is perfectly preserved ancient frescoes.

The history of the founding of the Abbey dates back to the Frankish king Charlemagne, who between 780 and 786 the years has laid a Benedictine monastery near Tubre, town, from the Vinschgau valley bordering Switzerland. In the late 9th century Benedictine monastery was disbanded and reopened as a monastery for both sexes. About two hundred years later was another reorganization, when Eberhard Trapski built a monastery in the town of Scuol in the Inn valley, where he moved the male population of the monastery Tubre. The nuns remained in place. In 1131 Ulrich von Tarasp called in Tubre German monks from the monastery of Ottobeuren – the influx of novices had turned the monastery to the Abbey. So in 1149 on the hill near the village of Burgusio a new municipality under the name of Marienberg.

After about a hundred years after the founding of the Abbey had a serious conflict. It was twice plundered, and in 1304 the Abbot Herman was killed. Then there was the epidemic of plague, which killed almost the entire population of the Abbey, except for four people. Among the survivors were the Abbot Vigo and a novice Goswin, later became a priest and chronicler of the history of the Abbey. He wrote a history of the Marienberg: the first book tells about the Foundation of the Abbey, the second – about the history of the abbots, and the third lists the privileges Popes and rulers. Goswin also was a court priest of the Austrian Duke Leopold III.

In 1418 Marienberg was burned down and later rebuilt. After a short period of abandonment in the 16th century, several German monks restored the Abbey and expanded it. In 1634 it became part of the Benedictine Congregation of Swabia. A little later, was considerably enlarged library, and the younger monks were enjoined to graduation. In 1724, rector of St. John the Baptist Murr founded in merane humanistic school, which today is managed by the monks of the Abbey. Today Marienberg specializes in adult education: held in the Abbey weekend courses and implements long-term educational program. In addition, you can order a special tour for you to explore this historic building and the history of its inhabitants.