Former Cistercian monastery Gnadenthal, Cistercian monastery site near Niederwil, Switzerland.
Gnadenthal monastery sits along the Reuss river and is topped by an octagonal ridge turret with an onion dome on its stone chapel. The building complex still shows visible arcades and rooms that reflect the original layout of a women's convent.
The site was founded in the 13th century as a women's convent and followed Cistercian rules from 1310 under the guidance of Wettingen abbey. This monastic tradition shaped the monastery for centuries to come.
The chapel displays baroque altars with an altarpiece depicting Saint Bernard of Clairvaux kneeling before the Virgin Mary alongside Saints Charles Borromeo and Rochus. This religious imagery reflects the spiritual importance the site held for its community.
The site operates today as a nursing home called Reusspark, while the cloister is open for exhibitions and the former refectory serves as a museum. Visitors should note that only publicly accessible areas can be viewed.
The abbess's room preserves a revered image of the Virgin Mary titled "Maria Hilf", which testifies to centuries of religious continuity in the monastery. This sacred object remained intact despite all the changes at this location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
