Saint Agnesen monastery, Benedictine monastery in Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Saint Agnesen monastery is a former Benedictine convent complex in Schaffhausen, built in the Gothic style after two fires destroyed the original foundation in the 14th century. Its buildings stood directly against the eastern city wall along today's Bachstrasse, with the Ochsenscheune, a former monastic barn west of Pfrundhausgasse, now serving as a community centre for the Protestant Reformed Church. The monastery church was heavily altered in the 19th and 20th centuries and now forms the main building of a retirement home.

Burkhard von Nellenburg founded the monastery in 1080 for his mother, Countess Ita, as the second convent in Schaffhausen after All Saints (1049). In 1092 it was placed under the abbot of All Saints. Two fires in the 14th century destroyed the original buildings; a Gothic complex was completed on the same site by the end of that century. The Reformation led to its dissolution, and from 1542 the buildings served as the town hospital.

The monastery was home to Benedictine nuns for centuries, who shaped the religious life of the community through their presence and work. Today the buildings still stand as a reminder of that long tradition, even though they now serve different purposes.

Parts of the monastery grounds now serve as a retirement home and parish center, which means public access may be limited to certain areas or times. It is best to check ahead about visiting possibilities before planning your visit to avoid disappointment.

In the early 14th century, the monastery actually restricted membership by allowing only 60 sisters, despite having far more applications to join. This limit reveals how sought-after life in this community was across the surrounding region.