Cloister of the former Barfüsser monastery, Medieval cloister in Kreis 1, Switzerland
The cloister of the former Barfüsser monastery is a medieval structure in Zurich featuring arched walkways that frame a central courtyard. Today it sits within the cantonal court building complex, preserving its original architectural layout beneath modern judicial use.
Founded in the 13th century, this Franciscan monastery was dissolved in 1524 when the Protestant Reformation reached Zurich and ended monastic life in the city. The building then transitioned through various secular uses before becoming a court complex.
The cloister was once the spiritual heart of Zurich's religious community, where monks gathered for daily worship and contemplation. Today visitors can sense this monastic purpose in the quiet courtyard and surrounding arcades, despite the building's modern use.
The cloister is located at the corner of Obmannamtsgasse and Hirschengraben in central Zurich and can be visited as part of the court building complex. Access may be limited during active court proceedings, so visiting outside business hours or checking in advance is advisable.
After the monastery closed, the buildings functioned as a grain storage facility and later housed a casino and theater before becoming a courthouse. This varied past reveals how medieval structures were adapted to serve dramatically different purposes over the centuries.
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