Kapuzinerkloster Gauenstein, Capuchin monastery in Schruns, Austria

Kapuzinerkloster Gauenstein sits on a steep rocky hill in the Gaueserwald forest and houses a rectangular church with a gabled roof and bell tower. The monastery structure has stone foundations that adapt to the uneven terrain.

A hermitage existed on the hill from the early 18th century. The chapel was built in 1709 and consecrated in 1721. The first Capuchins arrived on 10 September 1844, founding the monastery under a 1843 foundation letter tied to the early-mass benefice of Schruns. The Capuchins left in 2021 after nearly 180 years, and the Sisters of St. Clare took over in 2022.

The high altar holds a painting of the Sorrowful Mary by Johann Paul Scheiber from around 1750, flanked by figures of Judas Thaddaeus and Joseph by Franz Albertani from 1931. The left side altar shows the Stigmatization of Francis by Josef Anton Bertle from 1849, and the Stations of the Cross, also by Bertle from 1849, were restored by Jakob Bertle in 1899. A bell from 1751 hangs in the tower.

The monastery stands on the Gauenstein height above a steep rock in the Gaueserwald forest near Schruns, reached by climbing paths, so sturdy footwear helps. The walled garden holds a machine house and the support of a former material cable car to the valley floor. The church is a rectangular building with a gable roof, a low monk choir and a bell tower above it.

The monastery church holds a bell cast in 1751 in its tower. The high altar painting of the Sorrowful Mary is by Johann Paul Scheiber, made around 1750, flanked by figures of Judas Thaddaeus and Joseph by Franz Albertani from 1931.