The Apostle Church, the town hall, the former hotels "Zum Goldenen Löwen" and "Grauer Bär" (the oldest house in the city) as well as many other buildings date back to the Middle Ages and have hardly changed in their substance. Directly above the center, the Branzoll Castle is prominently situated, once the seat of the prince-bishop's judicial officer.
The unique charm of the city led to numerous artists settling in Klausen at the end of the 19th century. From about 1875 until the First World War, Klausen was a true artists' town, during which time more than 300 painters and sculptors lived and worked here, including such famous masters as Compton, Defregger, Egger-Lienz, Spitzweg, Loesch, Kanoldt, or Müller-Coburg. Already 400 years earlier, Albrecht Dürer had made a stop in Klausen. On his journey to Italy, he stayed here in 1494 and immortalized Klausen in his copper engraving "Nemesis". The "Dürerstein" commemorates this, and the town museum also illustrates the history of the "artists' town". In addition, the town museum in the former Capuchin monastery houses the famous Loreto treasure, an extraordinary collection of sacred artworks from the 16th and 17th centuries.
No wonder that Klausen is also ranked among the most beautiful towns in Italy by the club "I borghi piú belli d´Italia". In particular, the offer of regional products and dishes is appreciated in addition to the historic cityscape. During Advent, a very special Christmas market is held in Klausen, which captures the medieval atmosphere of the city. Jugglers and storytellers mingle with the people, fire-eaters show their tricks, and to top it all off, medieval music is played. At the stands, handicraft products, jewelry, sweets, cookies, wood carvings, Christmas decorations, and much more are offered. The market opens on 25.11. with a medieval parade, and there are numerous other events on the following weekends and of course for St. Nicholas' Day.
Enjoy Advent without the hustle and bustle in the wonderful atmosphere of the artists' town of Klausen!