Königsfelden Monastery

Windisch, Switzerland

Königsfelden Monastery is a former Franciscan double monastery, which housed both a community of Poor Clare nuns and one of Franciscan friars, living in separate wings. It was founded in 1308 by the Habsburgs. In the course of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland in 1528 it was secularized, and the complex was then the residence of the bailiffs of Bern.

On May 1, 1308, King Albert I of Austria was murdered by his nephew John Parricida in the community of Windisch. In memory of this event his widow, Elizabeth of Carinthia, founded the monastery about 1310-11 at the site, approximately 200 meters from Brugg. The monastic complex centered around the contemplative life of the nuns, while the small community of friars tended to both their spiritual needs and that of the surrounding community.

Albert and Elisabeth’s oldest daughter, Agnes of Austria, the widow of King Andrew III of Hungary, moved to Königsfelden in 1317 and helped it to thrive, but did not join the monastery.

With the conquest of the Western Aargau by the city of Bern, the monastery lost its connection with the Habsburg family. It was abolished in the course of the success of the Reformation in Switzerland in 1528. The complex then served as the seat of the Bernese bailiffs of the Königsfelden district, a steward took over the administration of former monastic property.

In 1804 the former monastery became the property of the canton of Aargau, which had been founded in the year before. The new canton established a mental hospital. In 1872 a new building was built and since 1887 it has been a psychiatric clinic. During the construction a large part of the Franciscan monastery was demolished.

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Founded: 1308
Category: Religious sites in Switzerland

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Laelia Milleri Photography (2 years ago)
Absolutely incredible monastery with some of of the best acoustics I've ever heard! I photographed Ensemble Peregrina during their breathtaking concert and was truly mesmerized by this event. Very special and memorable. The Monastery was founded by the Habsburgs in 1308 and became a burial place of many important historical figures. It's also famous for the splendid XIV century stained glass windows. I loved the beautiful garden and small park surrounding the place. Was wonderful to be there.
Christopher Müller (4 years ago)
Must see! Medieval stained glass windows.
Uwe Lade (5 years ago)
A place with magic and atmosphere, great for artistic performances
Karen Philpott (5 years ago)
Empty apart from a shop and stained glass windows. Not very interesting.
Ivan K. (5 years ago)
Always worth to pay a visit
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