Fischingen Abbey

Fischingen, Switzerland

Fischingen Abbey was founded in 1138 by Ulrich II, Bishop of Constanz as a private episcopal monastery, with the intention that it should offer shelter and hospitality to pilgrims on their way from Constanz to Einsiedeln Abbey.

The hermit Gebino was appointed the first abbot. In only six years he had had built a bell tower, accommodation for both monks and nuns, and a guesthouse. At its high point in about 1210, Fischingen had about 150 monks and 120 nuns. The 'Vogtei' (protective lordship) over the abbey belonged to the Counts of Toggenburg. Saint Idda of Toggenburg, who lived in a cell of the abbey in about 1200, is buried in a chapel off the abbey church.

From 1460 the abbey was under the authority of the administration of Thurgau in the Old Swiss Confederacy.

During the Reformation, the abbey was dissolved for several years, when in 1526 the abbot and the four remaining monks converted to the Reformed beliefs. The abbey was reopened however on the initiative of the Roman Catholictownships of the Old Swiss Confederacy.

In the 17th and 18th centuries the premises were rebuilt in the Baroque and Rococo styles. Between 1685 and 1687 a new abbey church was constructed, and in 1705 a new chapel dedicated to Saint Idda. In the 18th century part of the monastic premises was rebuilt, but could not be completed because of the abbey's accumulated debts. Fischingen Abbey was dissolved on 27 June 1848 by the Grand Council of Thurgau.

The abbey premises were sold in 1852 to a textile factory. Later a business and trade school was set up here. In 1879 the buildings were acquired by the Catholic voluntary society 'Verein St. Iddazell', who established in them the St. Iddazell orphanage.

Fischingen was reopened as an independent priory in its former premises in 1977. Guided tours must be pre-booked around this large and interesting building. The excellent restaurant is open to non-residents.

A unique feature in the church is an ancient stone sarcophagus with small opening in base into which the faithful put their feet while making peace with their Maker.

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Details

Founded: 1138
Category: Religious sites in Switzerland

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ricardo Kanitz (20 months ago)
Great place for finding peace and quiet, great food and an excellent service.
Doriana V (2 years ago)
Excellent place! Very quiet and atmospheric, great for retreats.
Marla Emery (2 years ago)
Hotel Kloster Fischingen excelled as a place for our 3-day workshop. The variety of meeting rooms and amenities in them were the perfect setting for productive work. The hotel rooms are spatious, lovely, and comfortable, the better to allow our team to start each day rested and ready for work. Hotel Kloster Fischingen's service is friendly and flawless from the moment one enters. And the chef is brilliant. His remarkable lunches and dinners highlighted local foods, with a special gift for perfectly prepared vegetables, and deliciously accommodated the vegetarian, halal, and gluten free members of our team.
Katia W (3 years ago)
We had a lovely stay here. The room, a former monastic cell, was designed minimalistic but modern. It was spacious, clean and had comfy beds. The idea of the hotel is to wind down and relax, so there wasn't a TV in the room, which didn't bother us at all. Also there is neighther a minibar nor a kettle provided in the room. We enjoyed both dinner and breakfast at the hotel, both were very good, also with plenty of vegetarian alternatives. The staff both at the Front Desk as well as in the restaurant is extremely friendly and helpful. Good to know, due to Covid there are certain times for your meals, so prepare yourself to show up for breakfast between 8 to 9am (till 10 on Sundays ;)) and for dinner between 6 and 6.30pm.
Fernando Hervas (4 years ago)
Very good place so calm, the room was very clean and it look everything new. The breakfast olso good. Everything around is perfect if you want to disconect from city stress.
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