The Romanesque St. Michael Chapel in Fiè allo Sciliar is also known as Cemetery Chapel
Image gallery: St. Michael Chapel
On the village square of Fiè allo Sciliar (Völs am Schlern), right next to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there’s a little Romanesque chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The sacred building was constructed at the end of the 12th century and equipped approx. 300 years later, in the Gothic period, with a beautiful star vault with ribs. It is characterised by its prominent round apse.
On the outer wall of the little chapel, you can admire - unfortunately in a poor conservation state - the oldest fresco of Fiè. It dates back to the 14th century and depicts the Adoration of the Magi. In the 18th century the St. Michael Chapel was transformed into a Cemetery Chapel. The Baroque frescoes date back to that period, featuring the Death shooting arrows, Chronos with its hourglass and the scythe as well as several repentance sayings and a big Pietà.
After the two-storefrey chapel was used as storage room and even theatre hall in the 20th century, nowadays it houses the Parish Museum of Fiè, the first parish museum of South Tyrol. It can be found on the upper floor, formerly a cult room. Frescoes dating back to the 15th century were brought to light in this chamber. On the lower floor, the original ossuary, you can visit the Museum of Archaeology of Fiè.
Opening hours:
in accordance with the Parish Museum and Museum of Archaeology of Fiè
