Disentis Abbey

Disentis Abbey traces its foundation to the eighth century and the monk Sigisbert, which makes it one of the oldest religious houses still functioning north of the Alps. The present buildings are baroque, from the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, and their long white facade above the valley is visible from far up and down the Surselva. French troops burned the abbey in 1799 during the campaigns in Graubunden and much was lost, including the library; it was rebuilt through the nineteenth century. The community runs a secondary school and a museum covering the abbey's history and the Romansh culture of the Surselva. The Rhaetian Railway and the Oberalp road to Andermatt pass below.

What you actually see

• A long white baroque facade - visible far along the Surselva.
• A foundation of the eighth century - among the oldest still functioning.
• The 1799 burning - the French campaign that cost it its library.
• A Romansh cultural museum - the region's language and history inside.

When to go

All year. Two hours.

Honest expectations

This is a working monastery and school - access beyond the church is limited and the museum keeps short hours. Labelling is in German and Romansh. Disentis itself is a modest town with limited facilities off season.

Nearby

The Oberalp pass and Andermatt are west; the Lukmanier road runs south.