Abbeys monasteries and convents Switzerland

The cloister is located to the north of the 12th century collegiate church. It was enlarged in 1380 and the Gothic architecture of its stone vaults can be admired. The collegiate church harmoniously combines Romanesque (choir and crypt), early Gothic (nave) and Baroque (altar) styles. The collegiate church hides the relics of Saint Ursanne under the high altar. The bones are kept in a stone coffin dating from the Gallo-Roman period. A very old place of worship, about fifty monolithic sarcophagi were found during excavations.

Built in the ^11th century by Cluniac monks, the Abbey Church is one of the most important examples of Romanesque art in Switzerland. Built according to a typically Cluniac layout, it is characterized by a remarkably well-preserved unity of style. The purity and majesty of its architecture make this monument a masterpiece of Romanesque art at its best. In 2007, with the abbey church threatening to collapse, emergency measures were put in place and a major restoration program launched. Allow 1h30 for the audioguided tour.

The 13th-century monastery has been a state building since 1916, but St. Maurice's church has been a parish church since 1872. See the stained glass windows by Aloys Balmer dating from 1896 and the magnificent altarpiece by Peter Spring from 1593 from the Mannerist period. Also the liturgical furniture with late Gothic sculptures from Fribourg and two altarpieces from the Reyff workshop from the 17th century. In the monastery, the ceiling of the refectory was painted in 1748 by Melchior Eggmann.

The complex includes a medieval chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, more precisely to Santa Maria delle Grazie, the convent itself and finally the church of San Giovanni. Of the original convent built in 1477, only the altarpiece remains. In the altar area, you will notice a fresco dating from the 14th century attributed to the group of Giovanni da Milano. Finally, the single nave church is a significant example of the late Baroque. It contains a multitude of sculptures and stucco reliefs as well as numerous frescoes by local artists.

The Rabten Choeling Center is also called the Center for Tibetan Studies. Perched at an altitude of 820 m, this Tibetan centre of 55 monks, founded in 1977, opens its meditation space to the public. Daily prayers are recited in the morning at 7am and in the evening at 6pm, Monday to Friday. Other more elaborate prayers also take place according to the events, and visitors are welcome for each celebration. It is also possible to stay at the house.

The Abbey of St. Gallen is a remarkable architectural ensemble that dates back to 747 and consists of several buildings grouped around the monastery square. Its main components are the magnificent Baroque cathedral and the former cloister, whose wings house the abbey library, one of the oldest in the world. A perfect example of the great Carolingian monastery, the complex has been one of the twelve Swiss sites listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. THE recommended visit to St. Gallen.

This Capuchin convent was built in 1606 by the town's inhabitants. The site is best known for its location on a lakeside peninsula, its magnificent rose garden and the grotto dedicated to Saint Anthony, which still attracts pilgrims. Spiritual retreats are held here, where you can take part in the convent's religious and community life. Men and women of all faiths are welcome. To help you make contact, you'll be assigned a brother or sister to accompany you.