The internationally-renowned Convent of St. John in Müstair enjoys UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing and owes its existence and uniqueness to Charlemagne. It is one of the few existing architectural examples from the Carolingian period.With its magnificent frescoes, this 8th century convent houses the world's largest and best preserved early medieval picture cycles. The convent museum in the Planta tower enables the nuns to provide visitors with a glimpse of the convent's inner workings. Hence the Alpine region's oldest castle tower, dating back to 960, is now accessible. The exhibition presents 1,200 years of monastic and architectural history.The Müstair-based Convent of St. John dating back to 775 with the world's largest cycle of early medieval frescoes from around 800 is a gem of fine art from the Carolingian period. The series of paintings adorns the entire church. In around 1200 the apses were painted over. Müstair owes its existence and distinctive character to Charlemagne. The Carolingian church and its unique wall paintings raises this magnificent Alpine monastery to the standing of a World Heritage listed site.