Former St. Urban's Abbey, Cistercian monastery in Pfaffnau, Switzerland
Former St. Urban's Abbey is a monastery complex with stone buildings from different periods, their facades displaying Baroque features and elaborate ornamentation. The structures are arranged around courtyards and gardens, forming an enclosed complex that reflects monastic life.
The complex was founded in 1194 when the Freiherren of Langenstein donated land to the community. Over the centuries, the monastery became a major landowner across the valleys of the region.
The monastery was a spiritual center for centuries, and visitors can still see traces of religious community life in the courtyards and cloisters. The site draws people interested in how monasteries shaped Swiss society and religious practice.
The grounds today function as a psychiatric center and can be visited during specified times; check ahead about visiting hours. The location is accessible by public transport and offers parking for visitors.
In the 16th century, the monastery operated a brick factory producing decorated tiles that became known beyond the region. This craft business laid the foundation for an enterprise still active in the area today.
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