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About this place
Dominican Convent of St. Peter am Bach in Schwyz is a monastery complex at Strehlgasse 18 in the town centre, in the canton of Schwyz. The Swiss inventory of cultural property (KGS) lists it as a significant site, made up of a church and a square cloister. It ranks among the oldest women's convents in central Switzerland.
How did the convent begin?
Knight Hartmann von Schwyz endowed the foundation in 1275. The first convent buildings and the church followed after 1283. A cloister wall was added in 1609, the church and cloister were rebuilt in 1639-42, and the guesthouse with its small oriel tower dates from 1698-1700.
What can you see?
From the street you see the compact convent block, the guesthouse and the west facade of the church. The Swiss art guide (GSK) records three valuable altars in the church by Carlo Andrea Galetti. Part of the complex is a working enclosure, so visits are limited to areas open to guests. A community of Dominican sisters still lives here.
What role did it play in the region?
After a fire in 1640, the Schwyz authorities ordered the Dominican sisters of nearby Steinen to merge into St. Peter am Bach, and most of the Steinen buildings were pulled down. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (HLS) counts Schwyz among the Dominican women's convents that survived into the modern era. Federal archives hold records of restoration and excavation work from 1963-1971.
How do you get there, and when should you go?
The convent stands on Strehlgasse in Schwyz, at roughly 47.0199 N, 8.6564 E. Schwyz is the cantonal capital beneath the Mythen peaks, so a visit pairs easily with a stroll through the old town and the Hauptplatz. The exterior can be viewed in any season; check church access times directly with the community or the parish.
Frequently asked questions
When was St. Peter am Bach founded? The foundation dates to 1275, with the first buildings and church following after 1283.
Is the convent still occupied? Yes, a community of Dominican sisters lives there, which is why part of the complex is enclosed.
What stands out inside the church? Three altars by Carlo Andrea Galetti, and a rebuild carried out in 1639-42.
Where exactly is it? In Schwyz, at Strehlgasse 18, canton of Schwyz.
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