Sacred Monuments — Switzerland

Kloster Seedorf

Seedorf (UR)

Kloster Seedorf (St. Lazarus Convent) is a working Benedictine nunnery in the village of Seedorf in the Swiss canton of Uri. Its baroque church and horseshoe-shaped complex sit near the southern tip of Lake Lucerne, close to the cantonal capital Altdorf. Uri's heritage inventory lists the ensemble as a cultural property of national significance. Where does the convent come from? The story starts in the first half of the 13th century, when Baron Arnold von Brienz (documented in 1219) founded a house of the Order of St. Lazarus and gave it land in Uri and the Haslital valley. The older dates of 1197 or "before 1215" rest on a 19th-century reading that the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland now questions. By the early 15th century no men appear in the records, and the house had become a women's community. The Lazarite sisters died out in the plague of 1518 to 1526. In 1559, at the request of leading Uri families, Benedictine nuns from Claro moved into the run-down buildings. They kept St. Lazarus as chief patron, and the convent became a respected home for daughters of Uri's patrician families. Oversight passed from the Bishop of Constance to the abbots of Einsiedeln and Muri, and from 1640 again to Einsiedeln. Secular priests served as chaplains until 1847, after which monks from Einsiedeln took over. What is there to see? The main sight is the baroque convent church, rebuilt between 1695 and 1697. The cantonal inventory counts it among the architecturally important churches of Uri. The convent wings curve around it in a horseshoe. Kaspar Barmettler was the master builder, and Caspar Moosbrugger of Einsiedeln advised on the interior decoration. This is a living religious house. The sisters follow the Rule of St. Benedict, so expect a place of prayer rather than a museum. Public access to the cloister areas is not a standard offer, so check church access and any guided visits with the community or the Seedorf municipal office before you go. Who looks after it today? Since 2019 the Stiftung des Klosters St. Lazarus has handled upkeep and renovation of the complex, including the church, and aims to secure the community's finances. Swiss media have also reported that five Benedictine nuns from Oberbüren in St. Gallen are moving to Seedorf for a three-year trial, hosted by the St. Lazarus community. How do you get to Seedorf? Seedorf lies in the Reuss valley at the head of Lake Lucerne, right next to Altdorf. The convent is at roughly 46.88 N, 8.61 E. From Altdorf it is a short drive or bike ride, and the area lies on the approach to the Gotthard route. Frequently asked questions Do nuns still live at Kloster Seedorf? Yes. A Benedictine community has lived here since 1559 and follows the Rule of St. Benedict. When was the current church built? The baroque convent church dates from 1695 to 1697. Who founded the convent? Baron Arnold von Brienz founded a Lazarite house here in the first half of the 13th century. The Benedictines took over in 1559. Can I visit the convent? It is an active convent, so confirm access and any guided tours with the community or the Seedorf municipality first.

Couvent des Capucins

Fribourg

The Capuchin Convent (Couvent des Capucins) in Fribourg stands at Rue de Morat 28 in the Swiss city of Fribourg (German: Freiburg). Built in the early 17th century, it is still home to a living religious community. How did the convent come to Fribourg? The Capuchins arrived in 1608, during the Catholic Reformation, when the order set out to bring the decrees of the Council of Trent to ordinary people. The convent was erected between 1613 and 1617 to plans by the architect Abraham Cotti of Valsesia. Some historical references give 1609 as the founding year of the community. Among its first friars was Philipp Tanner, fifth guardian of the house from 1616 to 1619 and a well-regarded preacher in the city's collegiate church and the Church of Our Lady. What is there to see? Next to the convent is the church dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. Inside you will find three rococo altarpieces and a monumental painting of the Descent from the Cross. The architecture is plain, in keeping with the Capuchin ideal of simplicity. This is not a museum. The friars live and work here, and the house serves as a study centre for young Capuchins who attend university and prepare for pastoral work and teaching. Visit respectfully and stay out of the private quarters. How do you get there? The convent is in the city, on Rue de Morat (Murtengasse), close to Fribourg's historic centre. Its coordinates are 46.8105 N, 7.1587 E. You can reach it on foot from the station and the Old Town. If you drive, use one of the city car parks. When should you visit? Public descriptions do not list opening hours for the church. Call +41 26 347 23 50 or email [email protected] before you go; the community's website is capucins-fribourg.ch. A visit pairs well with a walk through the Old Town and along the Sarine river. Frequently asked questions Is the Capuchin church open to visitors? It belongs to an active religious community and opening hours are not widely published. Contact the convent ahead of your trip. When was the convent built? Construction took place from 1613 to 1617, and the friars had settled in Fribourg in 1608. Is it the same as the Capuchin convents in Bulle or Romont? No. The order also had houses in Bulle (1665 to 2004) and Romont (1727 to 1979), but those are separate sites with their own histories. What is the highlight inside the church? The three rococo altarpieces and the large Descent from the Cross canvas.

Benedictine monastery St. Martin

Hermetschwil-Staffeln

St. Martin's Benedictine Convent in Hermetschwil, in the former municipality of Hermetschwil-Staffeln (now part of Bremgarten, canton of Aargau), is a women's abbey with a history stretching back over 800 years. It stands in the Reuss valley a few kilometres from Bremgarten's medieval centre, and today around fifteen nuns live here. How did the convent begin? Its roots lie in the Hirsau Reform. Around 1083 the men's monastery at Muri became a double monastery with a women's community, and at the end of the 12th century the nuns were moved to Hermetschwil. Muri endowed them with land and rights; by about 1300 the convent managed its own estates, and from 1309 it had its own seal. The abbot of Muri kept spiritual and secular oversight, including visitations and the choice of the head of the community. Legally the two houses remained a single foundation. From 1636 the prioresses carried the title of abbess. What is there to see? The church and convent building went up between 1604 and 1625, with farm buildings extended in 1557–1581 and again in 1691–1692. The complex appears in the Swiss inventory of cultural property (KGS) and in the Aargau heritage register. The abbey is a working community, so visits are limited to what the nuns open to the public. Check the convent's website for service times in the church. A turbulent history The Reformation of 1529–31 made some nuns leave. Counter-Reformation reforms met resistance and led to an interdict in 1587, after which the convent adopted enclosure and communal life (statutes of 1603). The Aargau Grand Council dissolved it in 1841, it was restored in 1843, and dissolved again in 1876. The property was auctioned in 1877, yet the nuns bought the building back a year later. In 1892 the community moved to Habsthal in Württemberg because the admission of novices was banned in Aargau. Only in 1973, once the constitutional exception articles were repealed, did the monastery regain its legal right to exist. It was raised to an abbey in 1985, and in 1986 Hermetschwil and Habsthal became two independent monasteries. How do I get there? Hermetschwil lies on the road from Bremgarten towards Muri. The easiest route is via Bremgarten, reached from Zurich by train and regional bus; the last stretch can be walked or cycled along the Reuss. By car from Zurich it takes roughly half an hour. Frequently asked questions Is the convent still active? Yes. A Benedictine community belonging to the Swiss federation of Benedictine nuns lives here, with the abbot of Muri-Gries as its ordinary. Can I see the interiors? The church serves the community and the convent wings are enclosed. Check the convent's website for what is open before you go. Is there a children's home on the site? Part of the former buildings has housed a care institution since the 19th century, but it is independent of the religious community. What else is nearby? Combine the visit with the old town of Bremgarten in its loop of the Reuss, and with the monastery at Muri.

capuchin convent and church

St-Maurice

The Capuchin convent and church in Saint-Maurice (French: Couvent des Capucins) is a Franciscan complex in the Swiss canton of Valais, set in a quiet part of town beneath the old Bourg quarter. It makes a peaceful stop for visitors who come to Saint-Maurice for its famous abbey and want something calmer. How did the Capuchins come to Saint-Maurice? The Capuchins grew out of a 1528 reform of the Franciscans, a return to the ideals of St Francis of Assisi. They reached Valais in 1602 as part of the Catholic Reform, stopping first in Monthey, and were welcomed by the Abbey of Saint-Maurice. A permanent community settled in the town in 1610, at the foot of the Bourg. What is the history of the buildings? The convent went up in 1647. The great town fire of 1693 destroyed it, and it was rebuilt three years later. That makes the complex part of the Saint-Maurice that was reconstructed after the disaster. What will you see? The standout feature is an art-deco chapel added in 1940. It came from the circle around Alexandre Cingria, the artists of the Saint-Luc and Saint-Maurice group, who were known for renewing religious art in French-speaking Switzerland. Next to the older convent buildings it reads as a clearly separate twentieth-century layer. The surroundings are calm, which suits a short pause during a walk through town. How do you get there? The convent stands in Saint-Maurice at roughly 46.220 N, 7.006 E. The town lies in the Rhône valley and has a railway station within a few minutes' walk of the centre. Walking is the easiest way to get around. When to visit and where to ask for details The town's tourism page lists no fixed chapel opening hours or fees. For current information, contact Saint-Maurice Tourisme at Place de la Gare 2 (tel. +41 24 485 40 40), open afternoons from 14:00 to 17:00. Pair the visit with the Abbey of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune, a separate site in the same town. Frequently asked questions When was the Capuchin convent in Saint-Maurice founded? The community settled in 1610 and the convent building was erected in 1647. Did the convent survive the 1693 fire? No. The fire destroyed it, and it was rebuilt three years later. What is architecturally distinctive here? The art-deco chapel of 1940, created by Alexandre Cingria's group. Is it the same as the Abbey of Saint-Maurice? No. The abbey is a separate, much older complex; it was the abbey that welcomed the Capuchins in 1602.

Territorial Abbey of Saint-Maurice

Saint-Maurice

The Territorial Abbey of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune stands in the town of Saint-Maurice in the Swiss canton of Valais. Founded in 515 by Sigismund, the future Burgundian king, it is home to a community of canons regularly. Its buildings sit tight against a sheer rock face above the Rhône, on the old route between the Rhône valley and the Alpine passes. It is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance (class A). Why does this place matter? Veneration here predates the abbey itself. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, Theodore, the first bishop of Valais, moved the remains of Theban Legion soldiers, St Maurice among them, to the foot of the cliff around 380–390. A shrine grew around the tombs, and in 515 Sigismund formally established a monastic community. The dedication took place on 22 September with St Avitus of Vienne present. Prayer has continued on the site ever since, which makes it one of Europe's oldest living religious communities. Around 830 canons replaced the monks, and in 1128 the community adopted the Augustinian rule. Since 1993 it has held the status of a territorial abbey, answering directly to the Holy See. What can you see? The basilica – the abbey church, still used by the canons and the parish. The archaeological site – in the Martolet courtyard under the cliff, excavations revealed the remains of successive churches from late antiquity into the early Middle Ages, including a baptistery. The treasury – the main draw. It holds gold and silver reliquaries and goldsmiths' work, among them the shrine known as the Shrine of Sigismund's Children, and is counted among Switzerland's most important church treasuries. The visit covers the basilica, the excavations and the treasury. An audio guide is available, along with a family trail built around a treasure map. Plan about 1.5 hours. How do you get to Saint-Maurice? The town lies on the railway line through the Rhône valley, near Martigny and Montreux. From the station the abbey is a short walk away, at Avenue d'Agaune 19. By car, the A9 motorway brings you here from Lausanne in roughly 45 minutes. When should you visit? The treasury and excavations are open year-round, but hours differ between the summer and winter seasons, and Mondays are usually closed. Check abbaye-stmaurice.ch for current times and ticket prices. The abbey is still a working religious community, so visitors are asked to keep the visit quiet. Frequently asked questions Is Saint-Maurice the oldest abbey in Europe? It was founded in 515 and its community has kept up its prayer ever since, which places it among the oldest in Europe. How long does a visit take? A full tour of the basilica, archaeological site and treasury takes about 1.5 hours. Is it connected to the Capuchin convent in Saint-Maurice? No. The Capuchin convent in the same town is a separate site; the abbey is run by the Augustinian canons. Is there an entrance fee? Entry to the treasury and archaeological site is ticketed, with reduced rates for children and concessions. See the abbey's official website for current prices.

Capuchin Monastery

Sursee

The Capuchin Monastery in Sursee (Kapuzinerkloster Sursee) sits in the old town of Sursee, canton of Lucerne, on Geuenseestrasse. Built in the early 1600s, it now serves church and cultural purposes and houses a museum devoted to the Capuchin order in Switzerland. When and why was it built? Construction ran from 1606 to 1608, during the Counter-Reformation, when Capuchins were founding new houses in Catholic Swiss towns. A seventeenth-century map of Sursee marks the "Capuciner Closter" right beside the parish church of St. George, so the friars lived at the heart of town life. In 2006 the four-hundredth anniversary produced a commemorative book, "Kloster für Stadt und Amt", tracing the path from a mission outpost to a spiritual centre for the surrounding district. Friars lived here for almost four centuries. The community was dissolved in 1998. The Roman Catholic parish of Sursee bought the buildings together with the library, and after restoration and conversion the rooms are used for religious and cultural events. The former Capuchin library remains inside the complex under parish care. What can you see? The main draw is the Kapuzinermuseum Sursee. It was planned in 1960 and opened in 1962. Its displays cover the life and history of the Capuchins and Franciscans in Switzerland, with paintings, sculptures, prints, books, documents and photographs. Themes include the Swiss province of the order, the Rule of St. Francis, nativity scenes and the cross, and missionary work. The monastery itself is a plain example of early seventeenth-century mendicant architecture. It pairs well with a stroll through Sursee's old town and a look at St. George's church nearby. When can you visit? The museum is open seasonally, May to October, and is shown mainly through guided group tours. Bookings go through the City of Sursee or the monastery guardian. Individual visitors should check current dates before travelling, since no walk-in hours are published. Directories list the address as Geuenseestrasse 2a or 2b, 6210 Sursee. How do you get to Sursee? Sursee lies on Lake Sempach, a short distance from Lucerne, and has its own railway station on the line towards Lucerne and Olten. From the station the monastery is a walk through the old town. The coordinates are roughly 47.174 N, 8.111 E. Frequently asked questions Do Capuchin friars still live there? No. The community was dissolved in 1998 and the buildings belong to the Roman Catholic parish of Sursee. Can I visit the Capuchin museum on my own? It is open May to October and run mainly as guided tours for groups. Reservations go through the City of Sursee or the monastery. When was the monastery built? Between 1606 and 1608. Its 400th anniversary was marked in 2006. What happened to the monastery library? It passed to the parish with the buildings and is still housed in the former monastery.

Territorial Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln

Einsiedeln

Einsiedeln Abbey (Kloster Einsiedeln) is a Benedictine monastery in the town of Einsiedeln, canton of Schwyz, and one of Switzerland's most important pilgrimage destinations. It is a territorial abbey answering directly to the Holy See, and it is home to the famous Black Madonna. How did the abbey begin? Tradition says the monk Meinrad lived here as a hermit in the ninth century and died in 861. A Benedictine monastery was founded on the site of his hermitage in 934, with the backing of Emperor Otto I. From the 13th century the statue of the Virgin in the chapel drew growing devotion, and pilgrims began arriving from across Europe. A community of several dozen monks still lives here and looks after the monastery library. What will you see? The Chapel of Grace (Gnadenkapelle) – a black, octagonal chapel standing inside the church near the entrance to the nave. The present building dates from the early 19th century, after its predecessor was destroyed in 1798. The Black Madonna – a late Gothic statue from the 15th century. Its dark colour is attributed to centuries of candle smoke. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the chapel each year. The Baroque abbey church – built in the first half of the 18th century (sources give roughly 1719 to 1735) to a design by Kaspar Moosbrugger. The richly decorated interior, with frescoes and stucco, impresses even those who are not here for religious reasons. The monastery library – guided visits run at set times, and tours also open rooms normally closed to the public. The square in front of the abbey – with its grand facade and the Marian fountain, a favourite photo spot. When should you visit? The church is open daily from early morning until evening (usually from 6:00 on weekdays and 7:00 on Sundays), and entry is free. Hours change around services, so check the abbey's website before you go. The Salve Regina is sung in the chapel every afternoon. Crowds peak around Marian feasts and church celebrations; weekdays outside the main season are calmer. A guided tour costs extra and takes about an hour. How do you get there? Einsiedeln lies about 40 km from Zurich. The train is the easiest option, and the abbey is a few minutes' walk from the station along the main street. The town also sits on the Way of St James (Via Jacobi), so you will meet walking pilgrims here. Frequently asked questions Is entry to the church free? Yes, the church is free to visit. Guided tours of the monastery cost extra. Can I visit during a service? Yes, but during liturgy visitors should stay quiet and limit sightseeing. The Chapel of Grace is then a place of prayer. How long should I plan? About an hour covers the church and chapel. With a guided tour, the library and a walk through town, plan half a day. Is this the same as Kloster Au in Einsiedeln? No. Kloster Au is a separate convent for women in the same town. The abbey described here is the men's Benedictine monastery.

Kloster Mariaburg

Näfels

Kloster Mariaburg in Näfels is a monastery on a former castle hill in the canton of Glarus, eastern Switzerland. Capuchin friars founded it in the 17th century, and Franciscans live there today. What is Mariaburg and where is it? The complex crowns a hill above the village of Näfels, in the municipality of Glarus Nord. The hill once carried the castle of Näfels, for a long time the principal Habsburg administrative seat in the Glarus region. The people of Glarus destroyed it in 1351, and the summit later gained an entirely different purpose. What is the history of the monastery? The Capuchin monastery was established in 1674, pushed through by the Catholic population of Glarus despite the displeasure of the Reformed side. Construction took place on the castle hill between 1675 and 1679. The Capuchins also ran a monastery school there, which they gave up in 1984. In 1986 they handed the house over to the Franciscans. In 1994 the Stiftung Mariaburg was created. It pays for the upkeep of the buildings and provides care for elderly or ill friars of the Swiss Franciscan custody. Between 2001 and 2006 the exterior of the whole complex and the interior of the monastery church were renovated, and records of that work are held in the Swiss federal archives. What can you see? You will see a monastery and church complex set on a hill that overlooks Näfels. The site itself is the highlight: the old castle mound gives a good vantage point over the surroundings. The monastery is still a home to a religious community, so treat it as a living place rather than a museum. How do you plan a visit? Näfels lies in the Linth valley in the canton of Glarus, close to the town of Glarus and the Walensee. Mariaburg pairs well with a walk through a village whose history reaches back to the Middle Ages. Because friars live in the buildings, check current opening hours and visiting rules for the church before you plan to go inside. The outer parts of the complex and the view from the hill can be enjoyed independently of services. Frequently asked questions Who built Mariaburg? Capuchins founded the monastery in 1674, and the buildings went up between 1675 and 1679. Is it a convent for nuns? No. Mariaburg is a monastery for men. Capuchins lived there first, and Franciscans have been there since 1986. What stood on the hill before? The castle of Näfels, a Habsburg administrative centre in the Glarus region, which the Glarus people destroyed in 1351. Who looks after the buildings today? The Stiftung Mariaburg, set up in 1994, maintains the complex and supports the care of elderly and sick Swiss Franciscans.

Kloster Namen Jesu

Solothurn

Kloster Namen Jesu in Solothurn is a Capuchin nunnery on the north-eastern edge of the Swiss town's old centre, at Herrenweg 2. Its early 17th-century buildings have survived largely intact and are under cantonal heritage protection. What kind of convent is it? Namen Jesu (Latin: Nominis Jesu) is home to Capuchin Poor Clares, the women's branch of the Capuchin order. It is one of the Counter-Reformation convents that ring the old town of Solothurn. Others in that ring include the Capuchin friary in the Loreto district and the Visitation sisters' house to the north-west. When was it founded? The community dates from 1609. At first the sisters lived in temporary quarters in town, then in 1618 they moved into a newly built convent on a rise called the Fegetz. The convent buildings and church went up between 1615 and 1620, and the first extension followed in 1660. The nunnery marked its 400th anniversary in 2009. What can you see? Much of the original layout and furnishing from the building period remains. The church and conventual wings give a clear picture of a Catholic reform foundation in a Swiss town. The church treasury includes a large gilded monstrance, featured in a book on Solothurn's sacred buildings. This is a working convent, not a museum. Visitors mostly admire it from outside, and access to the interior depends on the sisters' rules. Check service times with the convent or the parish before you go. What is it known for? For roughly four centuries the sisters have baked altar bread, the wafers used in the liturgy. The Swiss news portal swissinfo has run a feature on the convent's bakery, which remains a key part of community life. How do you get there? The convent stands on Herrenweg, at the north-eastern edge of the old town (coordinates 47.214 N, 7.534 E). It is an easy walk from central Solothurn, and a visit pairs well with the other convents around the Altstadt. Frequently asked questions Which order lives at Kloster Namen Jesu? Capuchin nuns, the women's branch of the Capuchin order. When was the convent built? The community was founded in 1609. The present complex was built in 1615-1620, and the sisters moved in during 1618. Is it a protected monument? Yes, it is under cantonal protection. The canton of Solothurn has supported repairs, including the church vault in 2005 and the roof in 2008. Can you go inside? It is an enclosed, active convent. Entry to the church depends on service times, so ask ahead.

Couvent de Montorge

Fribourg

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.

Grimmenstein monastery

Oberegg

Grimmenstein Monastery is a community of Capuchin sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in the Appenzell hills of north-eastern Switzerland, close to Oberegg. Its status is unusual: the site lies in the municipality of Walzenhausen in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, yet the buildings and grounds form a small exclave of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. What is Grimmenstein Monastery? It is a working convent for women. The sisters follow the Franciscan Third Order, and the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland classes the house as a Capuchin nunnery. The monastery church is dedicated to St. Ottilia. Since 1953 it has also served as the parish church for Catholics in Walzenhausen, so local worshippers share it with the sisters. How did the monastery begin? The story starts in 1378, when a community of beguines formed at the Äschach homestead. In 1424 the group moved close to the ruined Grimmenstein castle, where a convent for so-called forest sisters was built. The move was prompted by Kuno von Stoffeln, abbot of St. Gallen. In 1604 the Pfanneregg reform, begun by a Capuchin friar, reached the house under Mother Verena Tecker. After Appenzell split in 1597, Innerrhoden took charge of the convent's secular affairs. In 1870 the Federal Council assigned the monastery grounds to that canton, which explains the exclave today. In 1892 the sisters founded a daughter convent, St. Francis, in Nevada, USA. Numbers have shifted over time: 14 members in 1794, 45 in 1940, 21 in 1994 and 15 in 2001. What can you see here? The complex reflects 18th-century architecture, with St. Ottilia's church at its centre. The ruins of Grimmenstein castle, which gave the convent its name, stand nearby. The sisters are known for herbal products sold in the convent shop. The surroundings suit a countryside walk, and several circular hiking routes around the monastery are described online. How should you visit? Treat the place as a living religious house rather than a museum. Keep quiet, respect the residents' privacy, and check the monastery or parish for current service times and shop hours. The site pairs well with a day exploring Oberegg and Walzenhausen. Frequently asked questions Which canton is Grimmenstein Monastery in? Physically it stands in Walzenhausen, canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Administratively the monastery grounds belong to Appenzell Innerrhoden as an exclave. Do sisters still live there? Yes. It is an active community of Capuchin sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Can I enter the church? St. Ottilia's has been the Catholic parish church of Walzenhausen since 1953. Check service times before you go. Where does the name Grimmenstein come from? From the nearby ruins of Grimmenstein castle. The community moved close to it in 1424.

Hauterive Monastery

Posieux

Hauterive Abbey (Abbaye d'Hauterive, German: Kloster Altenryf) stands in Posieux, canton of Fribourg, inside a bend of the river Sarine. It is the oldest Cistercian monastery in Switzerland still in use, home to roughly twenty monks. A quiet riverside setting and austere medieval architecture make it an easy half-day stop from the city of Fribourg. Who founded it, and where does the name come from? Baron Guillaume de Glâne granted the land between 1132 and 1137, and the first monks came from Cherlieu in northern Burgundy. The abbey was consecrated in 1138, and Pope Innocent II confirmed it in 1142. "Hauterive" echoes the Latin alta ripa, "high bank", describing the sandstone cliff rising behind the buildings. What is there to see? The church, built around 1150 to 1160, is regarded as one of the Cistercian buildings closest to the plain ideal of Bernard of Clairvaux. The Gothic choir was added around 1320 to 1330. The choir stalls date from the late 15th century. The cloister buildings follow the classic four-wing plan around a courtyard. They were rebuilt in Baroque style between 1715 and 1770, so the monastic quarters feel richer than the church. The church was fully restored between 2021 and 2025. What happened to the abbey over time? After the Sonderbund War the community was dissolved. The premises then housed an agricultural school and a teacher training college. Cistercian monks returned in 1939 and still live here. The canton of Fribourg plans a three-volume publication on the abbey for November 2026. How do you get there, and when should you go? The address is Chemin de l'Abbaye 19, 1725 Posieux, a few kilometres from Fribourg. To hear the monks sing, come for the conventual Mass on Sunday at 9:45. The abbey has a monastery shop and guest rooms for visitors who want a stay of silence. It is a living monastery, so parts of the complex are enclosed and visitors are expected to respect the community's prayer. Check current opening hours on the abbey's website (abbaye-hauterive.ch) before you travel. Frequently asked questions Is the abbey still active? Yes. About twenty Cistercian monks live here, and the community returned in 1939. How old is the church? It dates from the mid-12th century. The Gothic choir came in the 14th century and the Baroque conventual wings in the 18th. What does Hauterive mean? It comes from the Latin alta ripa, "high bank", after the cliff above the Sarine. Can I stay overnight? Yes, the abbey offers guest rooms for those seeking quiet.

Kapuzinerkloster auf dem Wesemlin

Lucerna

Kapuzinerkloster auf dem Wesemlin is a Capuchin friary on Wesemlin hill in Lucerne, Switzerland, at Wesemlinstrasse 42. Swiss architectural sources call it the most significant Capuchin monastery in the country, and the complex is listed as a cultural monument of regional importance. When was the Wesemlin friary built? Construction began in 1583, and the Capuchins are recorded as settling on the hill in 1584. The layout is rectangular, with the church along the north side. The conventual buildings were remodelled in 1674-75. What is there to see? The church is the heart of the site. Its choir is a former pilgrimage chapel of Our Lady dating from 1556, so it predates the friary itself. The nave followed between 1584 and 1588. The place is tied to the shrine of Unsere Liebe Frau vom Wesemlin (Our Lady of Wesemlin), and the resident friars look after its pastoral life. The grounds also hold a historic library and the Provinzarchiv der Schweizer Kapuziner, the archive of the Swiss Capuchin province. The Wesemlin library is covered in scholarly manuscript catalogues, which shows its research value. Gardens and mature trees surround the buildings and are treated as part of the ensemble in recent architectural documentation. What has changed recently? Between 2021 and 2023 a residential building with 30 apartments was completed next to the friary. Marques Architekten designed it for people interested in spiritual questions. A Swiss foundation, set up in 2017, exists to house the friars assigned to Wesemlin and to support pastoral work and pilgrimage to the shrine. How should you visit? This is a working religious house, so expect a quiet place rather than a typical attraction. Wesemlin hill rises above the centre of Lucerne, which makes it easy to combine with a walk through the city. The provincial archive has its own contact address ([email protected]), and the Capuchins publish details about the library and archive at kapuziner.ch. Access to the collections requires contacting them in advance. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is the Wesemlin friary? In Lucerne, on Wesemlin hill, at Wesemlinstrasse 42. How old is the church? The choir is a former chapel from 1556, the nave was built in 1584-1588, and the friary was remodelled in 1674-75. Is there a library on site? Yes. The grounds hold a historic library and the archive of the Swiss Capuchin province. Do friars still live there? Yes. Capuchin friars live at Wesemlin, and a foundation established in 2017 supports their stay and pastoral work.

educational home Rathausen

Ebikon

Rathausen Abbey in Ebikon is a former Cistercian nunnery in the canton of Lucerne, set between the Hundsrücken hill and the Reuss river. The complex dates to the mid-13th century and later served as a teacher training school and a children's home. The monastic layout survives, with the church still at its core. How did the nunnery come to Rathausen? It began with a community of sisters at Horw, who moved in 1245 to the Riedholz area near Ebikon. In 1251 the bishop allowed them to found a Cistercian convent. The place name shifted over time: a 1251 record calls it "Domus consilii", and the form "Rathusen" appears from 1259. The convent belonged to the diocese of Constance, and from 1819 to that of Basel. The abbot of Lützel acted as father abbot until 1266, followed by the abbot of St. Urban until the convent became exempt in 1649. Sisters from Rathausen also founded the first community at Ebersecken in 1274 or 1275. What can you see in the complex? The bishop consecrated the abbey church in March 1259, around the same time as the church at neighbouring St. Urban. How much of the other buildings stood by then is unknown. Rebuilding and renewal followed in the 14th century. Like other Cistercian nunneries in the region, the church is fairly large and long. It carries a single roof turret (Dachreiter), in keeping with the order's austere style. The interior was divided into a nuns' choir and, on the Reuss side, a section for lay brothers. The former administrator's house (Amtshaus), the Milchhof and the chapel also define the character of the ensemble, which stands together beside the river. How did the buildings change use? The convent was dissolved in 1848. The sisters moved to Eschenbach, then Schwyz (1855), Vézelise in Lorraine (1876), and finally settled in 1902 at Thyrnau near Passau in Bavaria. The buildings first housed a teacher training college. In 1883 a Catholic institution for poor children moved in, run by the Ingenbohl sisters. It operated until 1972, and its history remains a subject of public debate, marked by a contested memorial. The complex was once at risk of demolition but was saved by renovation. The former convent buildings now hold workshops for the SSBL foundation. The Lucerne cantonal heritage office published the archaeological and building research in a 2016 volume. Where is Rathausen? The site lies in the municipality of Ebikon, just north of Lucerne, beside the Reuss. Coordinates: 47.0802 N, 8.3119 E. Parts of the complex are in everyday use by the foundation, so check access rules on the SSBL website before visiting. Frequently asked questions When was Rathausen founded? The community founded in 1245 received the bishop's permission for a Cistercian convent in 1251. The church was consecrated in 1259. Do nuns still live at Rathausen? No. The convent was dissolved in 1848, and since 1902 the sisters have lived at Thyrnau in Bavaria. What are the buildings used for today? After renovation, the former convent buildings serve as workshops for the SSBL foundation. What were the buildings used for after 1848? First a teacher training college, then from 1883 to 1972 a children's home for poor children run by the Ingenbohl sisters.

Kirche des ehemaligen Kapuzinerklosters

Bremgarten

The church of the former Capuchin monastery in Bremgarten (Kapuzinerkirche) is an early 17th-century place of worship in the small town of Bremgarten, canton of Aargau, Switzerland. It stands on Luzernerstrasse, on the south bank of the Reuss, and is regarded as one of the best-preserved Capuchin churches in the country. It is protected at both federal and cantonal level. How did a Capuchin church end up in Bremgarten? In 1617 the town council wrote to the general chapter of the Capuchin order asking for a monastery. The request was approved quickly, and in 1618 the administrator of the town hospital donated a building plot by the Reuss. The church was built in 1620-21 by the master builder Martin Viktor. The friars moved into the convent on 14 December 1622. The Capuchins worked mainly as pastoral clergy for Bremgarten and the surrounding Freie Ämter. In 1673 a woollen workshop with a fulling mill was added, producing cloth for the order's entire Swiss province. What can you see? The church has the plain, unadorned look typical of an order that took poverty as its ideal. Inside, the pulpit dates from 1621 and the high altar from 1784. The convent buildings you see today went up in 1760-61, designed by the Bremgarten builder Franz Anton Schwarz on the site of the earlier complex. What happened after 1841? The Aargau Grand Council dissolved the monastery in 1841. Since 1889 the heavily renovated convent buildings have housed St. Josefsheim, a special school and home for children with intellectual disabilities. A training school for home educators has been attached since 1974. The church is a separate listed building, while the former convent remains in use as a care facility and is not a visitor attraction. How to plan a visit Combine the church with a walk through Bremgarten. The medieval old town sits inside a loop of the Reuss, and the church is a short stroll from it. Check opening hours with the parish or the town before you go, as the interior is not always accessible. Frequently asked questions Is this the Bremgarten near Bern? No. The church is in Bremgarten in the canton of Aargau, on the Reuss, not in Bremgarten bei Bern. When was the church built? In 1620-21. The friars occupied the convent in December 1622, and the present convent buildings date from 1760-61. Is the monastery still active? No. The Capuchins left after the 1841 dissolution decision. Since 1889 the buildings have served as a children's home and school, St. Josefsheim. Is the church a listed monument? Yes, it is protected at federal and cantonal level.

St. Klara Monastery

Bremgarten

St. Klara Monastery (Kloster St. Klara) in Bremgarten, canton of Aargau, Switzerland, is a former Franciscan convent for women whose 17th-century chapel still stands. The community is gone, but the chapel is rated a monument of national significance. Do not confuse it with Bremgarten bei Bern, a different town. What is St. Klara in Bremgarten? Beguines lived on this site in the Middle Ages. In the 15th century the community adopted the Franciscan way of life and became a tertiary convent dedicated to St. Clare. The sisters stayed until 1798, when the convent ceased to exist. What remains today is the chapel and the lane name Klosterweg. What can you see inside the chapel? The chapel was built in 1625 as the convent church. Between 1687 and 1688 it was remodeled and enlarged, as devotion to St. Anthony of Padua had grown. It is a long rectangular building under a low gabled roof with a small roof turret and round-arched windows. The round-arched portal rests on two rusticated columns and carries a little hipped canopy. Inside, look for: a red-marbled coffered ceiling with wave-band grisaille painting on the beams, a three-sided nuns' gallery on round columns in the nave, a high altar from 1627 with a late Renaissance retable, and a domed tabernacle from 1655, two side altars from 1687/88, given stucco-marble columns in 1734, a crucifixion group from around 1630 hanging on the last beam, pew ends from 1746 that originally came from the parish church. The Aargau heritage inventory ranks the building Priority A, meaning national significance. It has had cantonal protection since 1951 and federal protection since 1964. Where is it and how do you get there? The chapel stands on Klosterweg in Bremgarten's old town, right beside the town church of St. Nicholas. The old town is car-free, so you explore it on foot. Buses stop at Obertor, at the entrance to the old town, and at Bremgarten station. Coordinates: 47.3523 N, 8.3402 E. What else is nearby? Combine the visit with the rest of the old town: the town church with its Synesius altar, the Muttergottes chapel with late Gothic wall paintings, St. Anna's chapel (an ossuary), the town hall, the Spittelturm tower, and the Reuss bridge and riverside promenade. The former Capuchin monastery lies across the river, outside the old town. Frequently asked questions Is the St. Klara convent still active? No. The convent existed until 1798. The chapel and the street name survive. Is the chapel a listed monument? Yes. The cantonal inventory lists it as Priority A, which means national significance. When was the chapel built? In 1625, then remodeled and enlarged in 1687/88. Can you go inside? The sources do not give opening hours or admission rules. Check with the Bremgarten tourist office before you visit.

Monastery Neu St. Johann

Nesslau

Neu St. Johann Monastery in Nesslau is a former Benedictine abbey in the Thur valley, in the Toggenburg region of the canton of St. Gallen. The 17th-century complex stands in the village of Neu St. Johann, part of the municipality of Nesslau. The monks are long gone, but the buildings are still in daily use. How did Neu St. Johann come to be? The original abbey of St. John the Baptist was founded in the Thur valley, probably in the second quarter of the 12th century. Its first firm record dates from 1152, when Pope Eugene III confirmed the community's property and its right to choose its own abbot and advocate. The house answered to the Bishop of Constance, and from 1555 it was a priory of the Abbey of St. Gallen. After two fires, the second in 1626, the community relocated to the area near Sidwald. The new monastery went up between 1626 and 1629, with Jodokus Metzler and Pietro Andreota named as its designers. The name Neu St. Johann, "New St. John", separates it from the earlier site. What happened after the monks? Monastic life faded out, and two priests stayed on as parish pastors. In 1806 the abbey church became the parish church, and the last monk serving as pastor died in 1808. Parts of the complex later served as barracks and factory space. The church was heavily remodelled in historicist style in 1869, with further renovations in 1939 and 1998. Parish materials describe it as the last Benedictine monastery on Swiss soil. Can you visit it today? Since 1902 the buildings have housed Heim Johanneum, a care home for people with intellectual disabilities, and it still operates. That means the complex is a working site rather than a museum. Visitors can most easily see the church and the exterior of the monastery buildings. How do you get there, and when should you go? Neu St. Johann lies in upper Toggenburg at roughly 47.229° N, 9.193° E, on the Thur between Wattwil and the Churfirsten and Säntis mountains. The village has its own railway station on the Toggenburg line, so you can come by train from St. Gallen without a car. Late spring and early autumn suit walks along the valley. In winter the area draws skiers to nearby resorts, so the monastery fits well into a day trip around the region. Frequently asked questions Do Benedictines still live at Neu St. Johann? No. Benedictine life ended after the 17th-century move and the last monk serving as pastor died in 1808. Is this the same place as St. John's Convent in Müstair? No. Müstair is in Graubünden and is a much older Benedictine convent, founded around 775. Neu St. Johann is in the canton of St. Gallen. What is in the buildings now? The church is a parish church, and part of the complex houses the Heim Johanneum care home, open since 1902. Why was the monastery moved? Fires in the 17th century led the community to rebuild at a new site, completed in 1626–1629.

Fahr Monastery, Convent Building

Kloster Fahr

Fahr Monastery (convent building) in Kloster Fahr is the home of a Benedictine women's community on the Limmat river, roughly 10 km northwest of Zurich. Zurich territory surrounds it, yet it belongs politically to the municipality of Würenlos in the canton of Aargau. How did Fahr begin? The foundation dates to 1130, when Baron Lütold II of Regensberg donated his estate on the Limmat to Einsiedeln Abbey, on the condition that a Benedictine nunnery be built. The place name comes from a ferry that once crossed the river nearby. Fahr remains a priory under the abbot of Einsiedeln. The community was dissolved in 1841 during the Aargau monastery dispute and re-established in 1843. Why is Fahr in two cantons? From 1803 the roughly 1.5-hectare site was an Aargau exclave inside Zurich territory. Only in 2008 was it formally merged into Würenlos. The monastery church stands in Unterengstringen in the canton of Zurich, so visitors effectively cross a cantonal border on the grounds. What is there to see? Monastery church – first mentioned in 1487, rebuilt in Baroque style in 1743–1748, with frescoes by the Torricelli brothers. St. Anne's Chapel – of Romanesque origin, with frescoes from around 1300. Baroque cloister garden laid out in a cross shape, regarded as one of the best-preserved in Switzerland. Convent buildings – part of a complex of about 20 structures where the sisters live, listed as a cultural property of national significance. Who lives here? As of 2019 about 20 Benedictine nuns live at Fahr, following the Rule of St. Benedict and combining prayer with work: farming, viticulture and making liturgical vestments. An agricultural school operated here from 1944 to 2013. The writer Silja Walter lived at the convent until her death in 2011. The community describes Fahr and Einsiedeln as the last remaining double monasteries in the world. When should you visit? Come during the day and respect the sisters' routine: the convent is a working religious house, and the residential parts are generally not open to the public. Check opening details at kloster-fahr.ch before you go. The riverside surroundings suit a walk. Frequently asked questions Is Fahr in Zurich or Aargau? Politically it is part of Aargau (Würenlos), although it lies among Zurich land. Can I enter the convent building? It is the enclosed residence of the nuns. Visitors can usually access the church and garden; current rules are on the monastery website. Where does the name Fahr come from? From the ferry that crossed the Limmat beside today's monastery. How old is the monastery? It was founded in 1130, so it is nearly 900 years old. Who governs it? It is a priory under the abbot of Einsiedeln.

Benedictine convent with St. Leonhard hospital and ossuary

Melchtal

The Benedictine convent in Melchtal sits in the Alpine valley of the same name, part of the municipality of Kerns in the canton of Obwalden, central Switzerland. The settlement lies at roughly 890 m above sea level. How did a convent end up in Melchtal? The community dates to 1866, when three women from Lucerne moved into the valley under the priest Balthasar Estermann. The group kept growing, and in 1868 it became a Benedictine convent. A girls' boarding school was added in 1869, the same year the convent's Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche) was consecrated. What did the sisters do here? The school ran until 1998, and the institute's buildings were renovated between 1957 and 1978. In 2002 the community counted 52 sisters, 16 of them serving in branch houses in Tyrol. They ran a guesthouse, a vestment workshop and a small hand-weaving studio. By 2019 the buildings had become too large for the community, and the sisters relocated to the Benedictine Centre in Sarnen. The convent's archive is now held by the Obwalden State Archive. What else is there to see in Melchtal? The valley's history reaches back well before the convent. A Maria Hilf chapel was built in 1618 and extended in 1780, then replaced by a pilgrimage church in 1928. Melchtal became a chaplaincy in 1695 and a pilgrimage site in 1736, and since 1971 it has been its own parish together with Melchsee-Frutt and Tannalp. Ore from Melchsee-Frutt was smelted here until 1689, and marble has been quarried above Stöckalp since the 17th century. Today the local economy rests on cattle farming, alpine pastures and tourism. How do you get to Melchtal? Until 1864 only a pack trail led into the valley. Today a road runs up from Kerns, and a bus service has operated since 1924. To the south the valley connects to the high plateau of Melchsee-Frutt, a destination for hiking in summer and snow sports in winter. Frequently asked questions Do sisters still live in the convent? Not in Melchtal. In 2019 the community left the oversized buildings and moved to Sarnen. When was the convent founded? The community began in 1866 and became a Benedictine convent in 1868. Can you visit the interior? Access may have changed since the sisters moved out, so check with the Kerns municipality or the Melchtal parish before you go. The village and the surrounding valley are open to visitors all year. How high is Melchtal? The village centre is at about 890 m, and the valley ends at Stöckalp at its upper end.

Heiligkreuz monastry

Cham

Heiligkreuz Monastery (Kloster Heiligkreuz) in Cham sits in the Lindencham district of canton Zug, central Switzerland. It is a convent of Olivetan Benedictine nuns, not Cistercians, as it is sometimes misdescribed. The Holy Cross chapel, the convent church and the cloister wall all appear in the Zug cantonal heritage inventory. What is the history of the convent? The community began in 1853, when sisters of the Baldegg institute left after the Lucerne government shut that institute down. With donors' help, the Institut Baldegg-Cham was built beside the Holy Cross chapel in Lindencham in 1859. The sisters became independent of Baldegg in 1862, and in 1865 the Zug government recognised them as a church corporation, which opened the way to growth. They joined the Benedictine congregation of Monte Oliveto in 1892, the house was reformed in 1962, and papal approval followed in 1963. What did the sisters do? They ran girls' schools and poorhouses in Zug and Lucerne. At Cham they added household-skills courses and teacher training: general teachers from 1902, handicraft teachers from 1910 and kindergarten teachers from 1928. In 1933 they took over the Zug town hospital and from 1960 its nursing school, which the canton assumed in 1981. Branch houses stood in places such as Ramsen, Dussnang, Unterägeri and Davos. What is the connection with Korea? From 1931 the nuns helped build up a mission in Yenki, Manchuria. After fleeing, they founded a mission station with a hospital in Pusan, South Korea, in 1951. In 1982 the community split into two priories, Heiligkreuz and Pusan. In Switzerland the number of sisters fell from 366 in 1962 to 128 in 2002. What can you see on site? The boarding school, convent and Holy Cross chapel have been renovated since 1966. The heritage inventory also lists the Lindenkapelle, the linden chapel. The monastery is a working religious house, so visits are limited to the grounds and buildings open to guests. Check church opening times with the Cham municipality or the community before you go. How do you get there? The monastery lies in the municipality of Cham on Lake Zug, near 47.192 N, 8.442 E. Cham has rail links to Zug and Lucerne, and you can reach the site on foot or by local transport from the town centre. FAQ Is it a Cistercian monastery? No. Heiligkreuz belongs to the Olivetan Benedictine nuns and has been in the Monte Oliveto congregation since 1892. When was it founded? The community dates from 1853 and the institute at the Lindencham chapel from 1859. Is it a listed building? The chapel, convent church and cloister wall are in the Zug canton heritage inventory. Can I go inside? It is an active convent, so confirm access with the community or the municipality.

Mount Zion/Uetliburg

Gommiswald

Mount Zion Abbey (Kloster Berg Sion) in Uetliburg stands in the municipality of Gommiswald, canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. It is a women's Premonstratensian convent with a late Baroque church, set on a hillside above the Linth plain. It remains a working religious community rather than a museum, and travel sources describe it as the only Premonstratensian monastery in Switzerland still run as such. What is Berg Sion and how did it begin? The priest Josef Helg founded the convent in 1761 beside a pilgrim route that ran from the Lake Constance region over the Ricken pass to Einsiedeln. The name echoes Mount Zion in Jerusalem. A Loreto chapel went up between 1763 and 1765. Monastic life began in 1766, when three sisters of the Third Order arrived from the Premonstratensian house at Schussenried in Germany. The community grew quickly and counted 52 sisters by 1778, most of them from around Lake Constance. After the French invasion of 1798 and the creation of the canton of St. Gallen in 1803, the convent fell into hardship. Billeted foreign troops and strict demands from the new authorities weighed on it. What can you see here? The convent complex and church, built in late Baroque style with touches of Rococo. The Loreto chapel, one of the oldest parts of the site, dating from the 1760s. Views across the Linth plain towards the Obersee, the upper part of Lake Zurich. The chapel of Saints Felix and Regula, which you pass on the walk from the bus stop. Uetliburg lies on an old pilgrimage path, so a walk here has a contemplative feel. Because the convent is active, keep voices low and check ahead when the church is open. How do you get to the abbey? A PostBus service runs from Uetliburg to the Berg-Sion-Strasse stop, and the abbey is a short walk from there. You can also hike up from Uetliburg or Gommiswald, as the area is popular with walkers. By car, drive to Gommiswald and continue towards Uetliburg. When is the best time to visit? Choose a clear day, since the views over the valley and lake are the main draw. Spring, summer and early autumn suit walking best. In poor weather the panorama disappears and paths can turn muddy. Frequently asked questions Is Mount Zion Abbey still active? Yes. A community of Premonstratensian sisters lives here, so the usual conduct for a working convent applies. When was it founded? In 1761. Monastic life started in 1766. Can you reach it by public transport? Yes. PostBus runs from Uetliburg to Berg-Sion-Strasse, followed by a short walk. What else is nearby? The chapel of Saints Felix and Regula beside the road, plus views over the Linth plain and Obersee.

St. Joseph's Convent for Women

Stalden

St. Joseph's Convent for Women (Frauenkloster St. Josef) stands in the Muotathal valley in the canton of Schwyz, central Switzerland. It is a Franciscan community of sisters with roots in the late 13th century, and two buildings tell its story: a medieval one that now serves as a chapel and a Baroque convent from the late 1600s. What is the history of the convent? The community was founded in 1288 on the banks of the Muota river as a house of sisters in the Franciscan tradition. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland describes it as a tertiary convent, meaning sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, which owned land in the valley during the late Middle Ages. Floodwater from a mountain torrent repeatedly threatened the buildings, so in 1687 the nuns moved into a newly built convent of St. Joseph. Around 1590, Maria Ursula Christen came from Lucerne to a house emptied by plague and Reformation-era unrest. She served as superior until 1598, taught the growing community the Third Order rule and organised daily convent life. What is there to see? The old convent is the highlight. It is the only surviving Romanesque church building in the former territory of Schwyz, and today it works as a chapel for quiet prayer. Between the old and new convents stands the Russian Cross (Russenkreuz), a memorial to the fighting of 1799, when Russian and French troops clashed in the valley. The convent is still a religious house, so treat the surroundings as a place of prayer: keep your voice down and stay off private grounds. The available sources give no rules for visiting the interiors, so ask the parish or Muotathal municipality before you go. How do you get there? By car, take the A4 motorway and follow signs towards Schwyz and Muotathal. Parking is near the Muota school. By public transport, ride to the Muotathal Post stop. The old buildings, the chapel and the parish church lie in the sunny Wil district of the valley. How long should you plan? A short loop through Wil past the chapel, parish church and convent covers about 1.3 km of easy walking and takes roughly 30 minutes. The route follows roads and is not signposted, so keep a map handy on your phone. Frequently asked questions When was St. Joseph's Convent in Muotathal founded? In 1288 on the Muota river. The current convent building dates from 1687. Does the old convent still exist? Yes. It is the only Romanesque church building left in the former territory of Schwyz and serves as a chapel. How long does a walk around the area take? About 30 minutes on an easy 1.3 km loop. Can I get there without a car? Yes. Take public transport to Muotathal Post and walk to the Wil district.

Benedictine abbey of Mariastein

Metzerlen-Mariastein

Mariastein Abbey (Kloster Mariastein) stands in Metzerlen-Mariastein, in the canton of Solothurn in north-western Switzerland. It is a working Benedictine monastery and a Marian shrine, ranked as the country's second most important pilgrimage destination after Einsiedeln. How did Mariastein begin? The pilgrimage grew from a medieval rock chapel. The earliest documented mention dates from 1434, and an account from 1442 matches the grotto chapel visible today. Monastery tradition places its founding around 1380, after a shepherd boy fell from the cliff and was said to have been saved by the Virgin Mary. A second such "fall miracle", in 1541, is considered historically attested. The Benedictines arrived from Beinwil. Monks from that abbey took over pastoral care of the shrine in 1636, and in 1648, under Abbot Fintan Kieffer, the whole community moved to Mariastein. Beinwil itself dates to around 1100; the older founding years of 1085 and 1124 are rejected by historians. What can you see here? The Chapel of Grace (Gnadenkapelle), set in a large natural rock grotto roughly fourteen metres below the present monastery buildings. It is the spiritual centre of the pilgrimage. The basilica, built above the grotto. Its foundation stone was laid on 4 October 1648 and it was consecrated in 1655. It is a late Gothic three-aisled church with a Baroque interior and a Neoclassical entrance facade from 1834. The monastery complex, constructed between 1648 and 1655 and under cantonal heritage protection since 1944. The canton has also co-funded restoration of the basilica's north facade and east choir facade. When should you visit? Mariastein is an active place of prayer, so quiet and respect for pilgrims apply in every season. Check service and visiting times on the abbey's website before you travel. The grotto stays cool even on hot days, so bring an extra layer. Frequently asked questions Where is Mariastein Abbey? In the municipality of Metzerlen-Mariastein, canton of Solothurn, in north-western Switzerland, on a hillside above the Leimental valley. Is it still a working monastery? Yes. A Benedictine community lives here and the shrine continues to receive pilgrims. When was the basilica built? The foundation stone was laid in 1648 and the church was consecrated in 1655. The present facade dates from 1834. What sets Mariastein apart from other shrines? Its Chapel of Grace sits in a natural rock grotto beneath the basilica. Only Einsiedeln draws more pilgrims in Switzerland.

Maria Rickenbach Monastery

Niederrickenbach

Maria Rickenbach Monastery in Niederrickenbach is a Benedictine convent in a mountain village of the Swiss canton of Nidwalden, within the municipality of Oberdorf. It anchors a pilgrimage site that has drawn visitors for generations, and today it also serves as a quiet starting point for walks above Lake Lucerne. How do you get to Maria Rickenbach? The village has no public road access. You ride the aerial cable car from Dallenwil, a trip of roughly eight minutes that ends at about 1,200 m above sea level. Dallenwil sits on the Lucerne–Stans–Engelberg rail line, so the whole journey from Lucerne works by public transport. A private road climbs from the valley, but it is for residents. What is there to see? The pilgrimage church and the convent form the heart of the village. Inside the church, many votive pictures left by grateful pilgrims line the walls. Opposite stands the Pilgerhaus, where you can eat and stay overnight. The sisters run a small shop with convent-made goods, and the current brochure also mentions a weaving workshop and a herb garden. Higher up is the chapel of Maria im Ahorn, "Mary in the Maple". It belongs to a local legend: during the Reformation a shepherd boy hid a statue of the Virgin in a hollow maple tree, and the figure supposedly could not be moved until a chapel was raised on the spot, which began the devotion. This is tradition rather than documented history. In the 19th century, around 15,000 pilgrims are said to have come to Niederrickenbach each year. When and how was the convent founded? The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland dates the founding of the Benedictine community to 1857-1863, first as a devotional convent. It was started by two sisters who had left the Baldegg sisterhood in 1853, and the pilgrimage site became the permanent home in 1857. The abbot of Engelberg acts as visitator, and the patrons are Saints Benedict and Scholastica. In 1975 the convent joined the Swiss federation of Benedictine sisters' houses. Tourist sources give 1864 as the year the convent building went up, north of the chapel. What can you do nearby? Niederrickenbach works well as a hiking base. A popular route runs via Bärenfallen to Klewenalp, about 7 km and under two and a half hours on foot from roughly 1,156 m. A loop over the Musenalp plateau brings you back to the village. The longer tour from Haldigrat up the Brisen and down to Klewenalp includes T3 sections and needs sure footing. In winter the area is used for snowshoeing. Frequently asked questions Can you drive to the monastery? No. The village is reached by the cable car from Dallenwil, and the valley road is private. Can you eat and sleep in Niederrickenbach? Yes. The Pilgerhaus opposite the church offers meals and rooms. Is the monastery open like a museum? You can enter the pilgrimage church and see the votive pictures. The sisters live and pray here daily, so keep quiet and respect service times. How long should you plan? The village itself takes one or two hours. Add a hike to Klewenalp or Musenalp and it becomes a full day.

Sacred Monuments in Switzerland