Weesen Abbey

Weesen Abbey is a Dominican nunnery in Canton St. Gallen with a compact building layout whose core dates from the late 17th century and was expanded over time. The complex combines a chapel, residential quarters, and service areas arranged for practical daily operations across generations.

The foundation started in 1232 as a Beguine community and joined the Dominican Order formally in 1256, making it Switzerland's first Dominican nunnery. This early establishment shaped its development as one of the oldest communities of this kind in the German-speaking region.

The abbey remains an active religious community where daily monastic routines continue and visitors can sense the rhythm of shared spiritual practice. The rooms and grounds reflect how the sisters have organized their lives here across the centuries.

The abbey welcomes female guests aged 18 to 40 for temporary stays to experience monastic life in its guest quarters. Visitors should check what to bring and which practices they are expected to follow during their time here.

The sisters operate one of Switzerland's most advanced wafer bakeries, producing substantial quantities of liturgical hosts each year. This specialized work often surprises visitors and demonstrates how the community sustains itself through skilled craft production.

Location: Weesen

Location: canton St. Gallen

Inception: 13 century

Address: Im Städtli 29

Website: http://kloster-mariazuflucht.ch

GPS coordinates: 47.13540,9.09640

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07