Wurmsbach Abbey, Cistercian monastery on Lake Zürich in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland
Wurmsbach Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Rapperswil-Jona with stone buildings and gardens overlooking the northern shore of Lake Zurich. The complex includes structures built across different periods, reflecting the needs of an active religious community that has occupied the site for centuries.
Count Rudolf of Rapperswil founded the monastery in 1259, donating his castle and surrounding lands to establish a Cistercian community. This foundation was part of the broader expansion of Cistercian monasteries across Switzerland during the medieval period.
The abbey is home to an active religious community that continues centuries-old practices of herb cultivation and spiritual education visible in the gardens and daily life. Visitors can observe these traditions carried out by the sisters who maintain the grounds and spaces.
The grounds are open during daylight hours, and visitors can attend services in the church or explore the gardens at their own pace. It is best to check in advance about visiting hours to respect the privacy of the religious community.
The monastery survived the Battle of Villmergen in 1656 and the Franco-Russian invasion of 1799, events that could have easily destroyed the complex. Its survival through these conflicts makes it a rare example of a religious site that endured major upheavals in Swiss history.
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