Benedictine Monastery of St. Andrew
Benedictine Monastery of St. Andrew, Benedictine monastery complex in Sarnen, Switzerland
Description
The Benedictine Monastery of St. Andrew sits in Sarnen as a cluster of interconnected buildings arranged for community life and worship. Multiple structures surround a central area with gardens that support both the spiritual and practical needs of the resident nuns.
History
The monastery was founded in 1618 and established a permanent Benedictine presence in the Obwalden region. This foundation shaped the religious character of the canton for generations to come.
Culture
The monastery represents a living centre of Benedictine spirituality that shapes religious life in the valley and remains visibly integrated into the community. The nuns maintain a contemplative presence that gives the place its character and draws visitors seeking quiet reflection.
Practical
The monastery is located in central Sarnen and can be reached on foot from the town centre. Visitors should approach the site with respect for the active religious community and follow any guidance posted at the entrance.
Did you know?
The site is home to an active community of nuns who follow Benedictine monastic practices and rhythms that have endured for centuries. This living tradition connects daily routines observed here to a much longer spiritual lineage.
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Polenweg
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Staatsarchiv Obwalden
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Landenberg shooting and armory house
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Witch tower
249 m
Catholic Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul
565 m
Museum Bruder Klaus
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Collegiate Church of St. Martin
227 m
Grosshaus Hofmatt
490 m
Doppelhaus Grundacher
204 m
Former armory
472 m
Cantonal Library Obwalden
228 m
St. Catherine Chapel
2.8 km
Pfarrkirche St. Gallus (1761, Chor und Turm wieder aufgebaut 1816) mit Beinhaus (1768)
2.5 km
Cottage Obkirchen
2.9 km
St. Andrew's Convent collection and and music supplies collection
13 m
Obwalden historical museum
473 m
Farmhouse im Huwel
2.5 km
Alte Krone residential building
2.9 km
Doppelhaus am Grund
149 m
Old Kollegium
274 m
Gasthaus Landenberg
303 m
Ossuary of St. Michael
565 m
Town Hall of the State of Obwalden
253 m
House von Wyl
271 m
Büel residential building
2.4 km
Peter-Ignaz-von-Flüe-House with an economy building and a French garden
2.9 km
Gasthaus Rose
2.4 km
Steinhaus (ca. 1530)
2.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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