Pfäfers Abbey, Medieval monastery and hospital in Pfäfers, Switzerland
Pfafers Abbey is a former monastery located in the canton of St. Gallen on a hillside in Pfafers, with buildings dating mainly from the 17th century. The layout combines religious and medical spaces, with the church serving as the central organizing element for the surrounding monastic areas.
The monastery was founded in the early 8th century and quickly became an important center in the region. A major fire in the 17th century destroyed the medieval structures completely, leading to a full reconstruction of the site.
The monastery served as a major spiritual center for the surrounding region, shaping local religious life for centuries. Walking through the site today, you can sense the weight of its former role as a place of prayer and learning.
The site is reached by a mountain road and sits on elevated terrain that requires sturdy footwear. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and bring warm clothing, especially during the colder months.
The reconstruction after the fire was overseen by an abbot who redesigned the entire site in Baroque style, giving it the appearance it has today. This 17th-century building project turned the place into a rare example of a medieval monastery that was completely reshaped.
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