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About this place
The Capuchin Convent of St. Clare (Kloster St. Klara) in Stans is a monastery complex in the middle of the capital of Nidwalden, a canton in central Switzerland. Capuchin nuns lived here for more than four centuries, and the buildings are protected heritage. It sits at 46.9556 N, 8.3655 E.
How did the convent begin?
The community was founded in 1614, with its first superiors coming from Lucerne. Two sisters from Stans, Clara and Katharina Gut, lobbied the Nidwalden authorities for a women's monastery. Clara entered in 1615, took vows in 1617 and in 1622 became the first Nidwalden woman to lead the house, serving until 1625. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland names Kaspar Leuw as the patron who drove the building project.
What is there to see?
The nuns moved into the convent in 1624 and its church was consecrated in 1625. Over the following centuries the complex was extended and renovated again and again, so it layers several periods. It stands in the historic centre, and most visitors take it in from the outside while strolling through Stans.
Who lived here?
Around 1760 the convent housed 65 sisters. Numbers fell steadily, and in recent years only eight remained. Since 1958 the convent has belonged to the St. Clare Federation of Capuchin monasteries.
What is its status today?
The complex grew too large for the small community and upkeep became a burden. In 2023 the Stiftung Kloster St. Klara Stans was set up to preserve the listed buildings in the centre of Stans and secure the sisters' new home. Media reports said the sisters would move to the Zentrum St. Anna in Lucerne at the end of 2023. Check in advance whether and how the site is open to visitors.
Frequently asked questions
When was St. Clare's convent in Stans founded? In 1614. The sisters occupied the building in 1624 and the church was consecrated in 1625.
Is the convent a protected monument? Yes, the buildings in central Stans are heritage-listed.
Do the sisters still live there? The community planned to move to Lucerne at the end of 2023, and a foundation now looks after the buildings.
How do I get there? Stans lies roughly 15 km from Lucerne. The convent is in the town centre, within walking distance of public transport stops.
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