Couvent de Montorge

Couvent de Montorge in Fribourg, Switzerland, is a working monastery of Capuchin nuns on Chemin de Lorette 10, a short distance north of the old town. It is one of the oldest women's convents in the canton, and a religious community still lives here today.

Who lives at Montorge?

The residents are Capuchin nuns, members of the Third Order Regular of St Francis. They do not belong to a province of the male Capuchin friars, and each Capuchin nuns' convent is legally independent. Do not confuse Montorge with the friars' convent on rue de Morat, which is a separate building elsewhere in Fribourg. Since 1958 Montorge has belonged to the Saint Clare federation of Swiss Capuchin nuns' convents.

When and how was it founded?

The cultural heritage inventory dates the foundation to 1626-1628 and credits Jacques Wallier, a co-lord of Saint-Aubin originally from Solothurn. It was the first women's convent of the Counter-Reformation in Fribourg. Tourism sources add that the first nuns arrived from Lucerne in 1621. In the 20th century Montorge began founding houses of its own: from 1965 sisters set out for Latin America and Africa.

What is there to see?

The buildings form a two-storey quadrangle around a cloister, with a refectory, chapter house, novitiate and infirmary. The refectory in the south wing keeps Mannerist wall paintings dated 1628. A church belongs to the convent, and the whole complex is listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural property (KGS no. 02093).

What do the nuns do?

The sisters make communion wafers and liturgical vestments. This is a living community, so treat Montorge as a place of prayer rather than a sight to explore on your own.

How do you get there?

The convent stands in the upper part of Fribourg, on the slope above the old town, along Chemin de Lorette. You can walk from the historic centre, with views back over the rooftops on the way. The coordinates are roughly 46.801 N, 7.162 E. Because it is a religious house, check access rules beforehand by phone (+41 26 322 35 36) or with the Fribourg Region tourist office.

Frequently asked questions

Is Montorge a convent of friars or nuns?

Nuns. Capuchin friars live in a separate convent on rue de Morat.

Is the convent still active?

Yes. The community still lives here and produces communion wafers and liturgical clothing.

When was it founded?

The heritage inventory gives 1626-1628, while tourism material mentions nuns arriving from Lucerne in 1621.

Where is Montorge?

At Chemin de Lorette 10 in Fribourg (Freiburg), canton of Fribourg.