Taufers im Münstertal - St. Johann

Taufers im Münstertal is just 6 kms east of Müstair. Between the villages runs the border between Switzerland and Italy, so Taufers is the westernmost village of South Tyrol. There are eight churches or chapels in Taufers, what is a lot for a population of less than 1000.
Seen here is the western facade of St. Johann, the oldest church in Taufers. Probably already within the 9th century a convent existed here. It is known that the Benedictine monks gave that up in 1035.

The church was ruined but got rebuilt in the early 13th century by the Knights Hospitaller. They run a hospice to provide refuge for travelers and care for the ill between 1264 and 1509.

In 1790 the church got deconsecrated and was used as a stable. This caused a lot of damage, as walls covered with fresco got demolished over the next decades. The restoration of the church started 1951.

The large fresco under the ceiling of the crossing. In the center Christ, flanked by Mary and John the Baptist. They are surrounded by many Bishops and Martyrs. The fresco was painted 1220/1230 - and has suffered a lot.