Kapuzinerkloster auf dem Wesemlin, Klostergebäude in der Stadt Luzern, Schweiz
The Kapuzinerkloster auf dem Wesemlin is a monastery in Lucerne situated on a hilltop, comprising a church, residential quarters for monks, and extensive grounds with cultivated gardens. The structure displays stone walls and a roof tower, while the interior church features three distinct sections: the nave for congregants, the choir for monks, and the altar area with colored windows depicting scenes from Saint Francis.
The monastery was established in 1584 when Kaspar Pfyffer, a Lucerne council member, donated land to settle the Capuchins in the city. Major expansions occurred between 1674 and 1675, and comprehensive renovations from 1953 to 1957 substantially reshaped the entire complex into its present form.
The monastery has served as a center for Capuchin spirituality and community service for over 400 years, embodying ideals of simplicity and devotion. Visitors today can observe how the monks live in this tradition and how the space continues to welcome people seeking quiet and reflection.
The monastery sits on the Wesemlin hill within the city and is accessible by foot through peaceful streets lined with historic buildings. Visitors can enter the church, explore the grounds, and walk through the 3 hectare garden area, which opened to the public in stages, becoming fully accessible in 2015.
The monastery houses a library of approximately 34,000 books, with its foundation laid by 94 valuable volumes donated by Kaspar Pfyffer at the time of establishment. This collection ranks among Switzerland's most important historical libraries and preserves many original works from the founding era.
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