Capuchin monastery with church

The Capuchin Monastery is a four-wing building arranged around an inner courtyard with a surrounding cloister supported by oak posts and wooden ceilings. The rooms form a closed complex that creates a protected central space.

The monastery was founded in 1588 and served as a training center where Swiss Capuchins studied theology until its closure in 2003. This long role as an educational institution shaped its purpose across four centuries.

The monastery houses an altarpiece by Gerard Seghers depicting the Annunciation, showing the encounter between Mary and the angel Gabriel in visual form.

The cloister with its wooden ceilings requires careful walking as the structure is aged and the natural light changes throughout the day. Plan enough time to explore the interior spaces and be aware that the inner courtyard stays cool year-round.

Two large linden trees planted at the church entrance in 1809 developed root systems that extend underground all the way to the altar area. This natural phenomenon creates a remarkable underground connection between the exterior trees and the interior sacred space.

Location: Solothurn

Part of: list of cultural properties in Solothurn

Address: Kapuzinerstrasse 16, 20, 4500 Solothurn

GPS coordinates: 47.21118,7.53288

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48