Benedictine abbey of Mariastein, Benedictine monastery in Metzerlen-Mariastein, Switzerland
Benedictine abbey of Mariastein is a monastery complex featuring a three-nave basilica with late Gothic architectural elements and an underground cave chapel carved into the rock. The compound sits at about 500 meters elevation and includes several monastic buildings arranged around the religious core.
Benedictine monks from Beinwil took over the pilgrimage site in 1648 and built the monastery together with a large pilgrimage church. This founding work established the place as a regional religious center that would develop over following centuries.
The site's name reflects its devotion to Mary, a focus that continues to shape the monks' prayer life today. Pilgrims still come to pray in the chapel and leave offerings near the sacred image.
Visitors can attend daily prayer services that run from morning prayer through night prayer according to the monastery's calendar. It is helpful to check the current schedule beforehand, as service times vary by season.
Deep within the monastery lies an underground cave chapel that houses a venerated image of the Mother of Comfort. The walls of this hidden sanctuary are covered with countless votive tablets left by visitors over the centuries.
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