Frühmittelalter- Museum Carantana

Frühmittelalter-Museum Carantana – A Journey into the Early Middle Ages Sensational archaeological finds from the early Middle Ages led to the founding of the Carantana Museum in Molzbichl – a place of unique historical significance. The museum's name refers to a document by Charlemagne, in which Carinthia is called provincia Carantana. In Molzbichl, located about five kilometers southeast of Spittal an der Drau, was Carinthia's oldest monastery. Archaeological excavations there uncovered impressive remains of the magnificent interior of the monastery church. Many of these extraordinary finds are now exhibited in the ensemble of museum, church, and archaeological open-air site. Experience a fascinating encounter with early Christianity, marvel at the high artistry of early medieval stonemasons, and discover burial customs, rituals surrounding death, and the afterlife beliefs of the Carantanians. Particularly noteworthy is a burial unique in Central Europe: a deceased person was impaled after their death – an archaeological indication of early medieval superstition about revenants and the undead. Other graves also attest to this fear and the associated protective measures. Since 1991, the association "Historisches Molzbichl" has operated the Carantana Museum. In 2015, an additional museum building was erected, which, together with the church and the open-air site, forms an impressive ensemble. Today, Molzbichl has a museum home of supra-regional importance – a place with a unique selling point for the early Middle Ages. Immerse yourself in the world of the early Middle Ages – as exciting and authentic as hardly anywhere else!

Opening hours & season

• 10.05.2026 – 11.10.2026Sa, So10:00–16:00