Monastries

Martinskirche (St. Martin's Church) is found in the little village of Zillis in Graubuenden. The church is famous for its painted ceiling dating to the 12th century. The ceiling painting, which consists of 153 panels, is the only one in the world that is nearly completely preserved.

Basel – Switzerland’s capital of art and culture Nestling in the heart of Europe in the three countries corner where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel is a pocket-sized metropolis that combines proverbial Swiss quality with a multicultural population. More than 40 museums with their long-established collections and spectacular special exhibitions are the foundation of Basel's reputation as a city of art and museums.

The Bern Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in the middle of Bern's old town. Climb the highest church tower in Switzerland and admire the architecture and the view of the rooftops of Bern, the Aare and the Alps.

The high tower of St. Martin's Church dominates the Chur landscape.

The Grossmünster is Zurich's landmark. You will visit the Romanesque church, climb the Karlsturm and discover the medieval stained glass windows – right in the heart of the old town, between Limmat and Niederdorf.

The Romansch name “Mistail” comes from the Latin word “Monasterium” and means “monastery”. Mistail is just one of many historically significant churches in Parc Ela. Grand murals in four layers grace the inside of this beautiful church.

Visit the largest baroque church in Switzerland and stand in front of the famous Black Madonna. Immerse yourself in 1,000 years of monastery history and taste wine from the monastery's own vineyards on Lake Zurich.

The La Fille-Dieu abbey is situated right on the Way of St. James and is a welcoming haven for visitors as they can find comfort in the stillness away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Make sure to visit the convent’s shop because they sell the most divine mustard. It is prepared according to an old recipe that was found in the monastery.

Directly overlooking the Lake Schiffenen dam you discover a magical place with religious past. The cave open to visitors today, which measures a total 120 meters in length, was carved out in the rock by two hermits around 1700. Here, visitors find themselves walking over fossils and sandstone dunes from prehistoric times.

In St. Gallen you'll find history at every turn. The city's landmark is the Convent of St. Gall with its Baroque cathedral. The convent, including the library and monastery archives, was added to the Unesco World Heritage List in 1983.

The cathedral is a fitting symbol of the episcopal city of Chur. Somewhat plain from the outside, it impresses with its magnificent interior.

The old cloister, birthplace of the Augustinian sisters S.M. Presentata di Poschiavo, is a harbor of peace, quiet and contemplation, and the ideal place to escape from daily stress.

The tower of the St. Lawrence Church affords a beautiful view of the Old Town and the Abbey Precinct.

Nestling harmoniously in a site formed by a loop in the River Saane, the medieval Hauterive Abbey is among Switzerland's best-preserved monastic estates. The modest restraint of the church and the Baroque opulence of the monastic buildings offer an intriguing contrast.

The Cathedral Treasure Museum comprises two groups of objects: The actual cathedral treasure and the cycle of murals depicting death from 1543, both of which are exhibited on two floors and are a source of fascination to visitors of all ages as well as a unique resource for experts. The location of the museum, the baroque Episcopal Castle in Chur, is a cultural monument of national importance and also one of the most important secular buildings in Graubünden.

The name "Red Church" is attributed to the facade in the front, which differs from the rest of the edifice.

With its coating of pink granite, the spherical Ste-Trinité Church arouses curiosity. Set in the centre of the city, this singular church stands out amid the surrounding buildings. Built in 1994, its original architecture is subject to a range of interpretations.

Climb the 365 steps and you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the town of Fribourg.

Receive an unforgettable insight into the history of the Benedictine Monastery.

The free Walsers settled in the Calfeisen Valley as early as the 14th Century. The church of St. Martin was first mentioned in the annals of 1432.

A significant building with a Renaissance facade. In the interior you will find numerous frescoes and important Baroque decorations.

Neuenburg Castle and the collegiate church have shaped the townscape of Neuenburg since the 12th century. The architecturally striking building complex is enthroned on a rocky outcrop above the city.

The church, which was originally part of a Franciscan monastery, is home to Switzerland's most famous Renaissance fresco. It covers the whole wall of the nave. The "Passion and and Crucifixion of Christ" is defined by great expressiveness and vividness of the individual scenes.

The sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina above Locarno is the most famous place of pilgrimage in the Italian part of Switzerland. It is rooted in the ancient tradition of votive gifts.

The internationally-renowned Convent of St. John in Müstair enjoys UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing and owes its existence and uniqueness to Charlemagne. It is one of the few existing architectural examples from the Carolingian period.

Due to its multicultural character, Geneva is often called the smallest metropolis. It has a lively Old Town with wine taverns, art galleries and antique dealers. The Cathedral of Saint Pierre sits on the peak of the hill on which the Old Town is located.

The Old Town of Lausanne has imposing buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, such as the famous Cathedral of Notre-Dame. The charming city on Lake Geneva has a lot to offer otherwise as well. For instance, Switzerland's first subterranean mountain train.

Frauenthal Monastery can be found in a secluded and scenic spot in the canton of Zug. It is considered to be the oldest Cistercian monastery in Switzerland.

Fischingen is the only lived-in monastery in the canton of Thurgau.