Château with St. Alban Chapel

Château with St. Alban Chapel is a historic residence in Eppishausen, part of the municipality of Erlen in the Swiss canton of Thurgau. It combines old manorial architecture with the daily life of a religious community, and its courtyard chapel is among the most interesting parts of the whole complex.

What is the château in Eppishausen?

The château is a residential complex arranged around a courtyard in eastern Switzerland, near Erlen. In 1698 the Benedictine monastery of Muri bought the estate and kept it until 1808. During that period it served as a residence and administrative centre of the monks' property. After the monastery lost it, the château passed through the hands of several private families.

What is the history of St. Alban Chapel?

The chapel stands in the château courtyard and is dedicated to Saint Alban. It was built anew at the end of the 17th century, when the estate came to Muri, replacing an earlier medieval chapel with the same dedication. In the 18th century the building was reworked in the Rococo style, giving it the light, ornamental character typical of that era.

Its fortunes were uneven. Between 1838 and 1942 no services were held there, and the interior decayed and was used as a storeroom. In 1942 the then owner, Eggebert von Heeren, had it put back in order. After a further renovation, Auxiliary Bishop Martin Gächter reconsecrated the chapel in 1998, returning it to full liturgical use.

Who lives in the château today?

The château is home to the Catholic community of the Bonitas Dei Sisters. Since 2009 members of the missionary community "Familie Mariens" have lived there too. Next to the château stands a care home for the elderly, which the sisters built in 1977. The site is therefore a living place rather than a museum, which is worth remembering when planning a visit.

Heritage significance

The château complex with its chapel is listed in the Thurgau cultural property inventory as a class B object, meaning it is of regional importance. The chapel is recorded in it as a separate part of the ensemble.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Eppishausen château? In Eppishausen, in the municipality of Erlen, canton of Thurgau, eastern Switzerland.

Who is the chapel dedicated to? Saint Alban. The medieval chapel that preceded the present one had the same dedication.

When was the chapel out of use? From 1838 to 1942 it was not used for worship. It was restored in 1942 and reconsecrated in 1998.

Does anyone live in the château? Yes. The Bonitas Dei Sisters and members of the "Familie Mariens" community live there, and a care home for seniors stands alongside.

Is the château a protected monument? Yes. It is listed in the Thurgau cultural property inventory as a class B object of regional significance.

Who owned the château? The Benedictine monastery of Muri from 1698 to 1808, followed by several private families.

Eppishausen is a good stop for anyone interested in sacred history and the architecture of rural manors in Thurgau. Because the château is a home to religious communities, visitors exploring the surroundings should keep quiet and respect the residents.