Fahr Priory
Fahr Convent is a Benedictine convent with a unique history, established in 1130 in an exclave of Aargau within the canton of Zürich. Historically overseen by the Abbot of Einsiedeln, it has functioned as a double monastery and is one of the few surviving examples of such an arrangement. The convent has preserved its religious and agricultural traditions, including viticulture, and houses a museum dedicated to the writer Silja Walter.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1130 by the House of Regensberg, donated to Einsiedeln Abbey.
- ›Operates as a double monastery with Einsiedeln Abbey, overseen by the Abbot of Einsiedeln.
- ›Suppressed during the Reformation in Zürich but reopened in 1576.
- ›Experienced a significant construction program in the 17th century.
- ›Established an agricultural school for women (Bäuerinnenschule) in 1944, which closed in 2015.
- ›Listed as a Class a object of national importance in the Swiss inventory of cultural property.
Gothic, Baroque
- Medieval St. Nikolaus-Kapelle
- Convent Church With Baroque Frescoes By the Torricelli Brothers
- Cloister and Church Tower Renovated In the Late 17th Century
- Tavern Zu Den Zwei Raben
- Silja-Walter-Raum
- Multi-Award-Winning Convent Gardens
- Vineyards Producing Wine
Kloster Fahr
LüTold Ii of Regensberg, LüTold Iii of Regensberg, Judenta, Johann Moosbrugger, Torricelli Brothers, Silja Walter, Otto F. Walter, Sister Irene, Sister Beatrice Beerli, Dom Martin Werlen, O.S.B.
- Donation of Lands By the House of Regensberg
- Suppression During the Reformation and Subsequent Reopening
- Extensive Construction Program
- Dissolution of the Old County of Baden
- Reversal of Monastery Closure In Aargau
- Completion of Autonomy Negotiations With Aargau
- Sheltering of Jewish Refugees During Wwii
- Establishment of the Agricultural School For Women
- Incorporation Into the Municipality of WüRenlos
- Closure of the Agricultural School
- Renovation of Convent Buildings
About Fahr Priory
Fahr Convent
Fahr Convent (German: Kloster Fahr) is a significant Benedictine monastic community with a history stretching back to its founding in 1130. Located in a unique geographical position as an exclave of the canton of Aargau, entirely surrounded by the municipality of Unterengstringen in the canton of Zürich, it lies approximately 8 kilometers north of the city center of Zürich. Historically, Fahr Convent has operated as a double monastery in conjunction with Einsiedeln Abbey, a rare arrangement where the male Abbot of Einsiedeln oversees the Benedictine nuns of Fahr. This close relationship has been a defining characteristic of the convent's governance and spiritual life throughout its existence.
History and Development
The convent's origins trace back to lands donated by the House of Regensberg to Einsiedeln Abbey. The initial donation in 1130 included the Chapel of St. Nicholas, which still stands today, albeit known as the St. Anna-Kapelle. From its inception, the convent was placed under the spiritual authority of the Abbot of Einsiedeln, while the nuns were guided by a prioress appointed by him. The convent experienced periods of both suppression and prosperity; it was suppressed during the Reformation in Zürich around 1530 but was successfully reopened in 1576. The 17th century marked an era of significant rebuilding and enhancement, with the construction of the tavern "Zu den zwei Raben" (Two Ravens), renovations to the cloister and church tower, and the design of a new refectory by Johann Moosbrugger. The convent church itself was further embellished with frescoes by the Torricelli brothers between 1743 and 1746.
Modern Era and Cultural Significance
Administratively, Fahr Convent's status has evolved, becoming part of the municipality of Würenlos in 2008 after centuries of being an exclave. The convent has maintained strong ties to its agricultural traditions, notably viticulture, which has been a part of its life since the deed of donation in 1130. It also established a renowned agricultural school for women in 1944, which operated until its closure in 2015. Fahr Convent is recognized for its cultural importance, being listed as a Class A object of national importance in the Swiss inventory of cultural property. The Silja-Walter-Raum, a museum dedicated to the celebrated writer and former nun Silja Walter, is housed within the convent, preserving her literary legacy and personal artifacts. The convent gardens have also received numerous awards for their horticultural excellence.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Fahr Convent founded?
Fahr Convent is first mentioned in AD 1130. The lands were donated by the House of Regensberg to Einsiedeln Abbey to establish a Benedictine convent.
What is the relationship between Fahr Convent and Einsiedeln Abbey?
Fahr Convent and Einsiedeln Abbey form a double monastery. The convent has been overseen by the Abbot of Einsiedeln from its inception, with nuns led by an appointed prioress.
What is the geographical and administrative situation of Fahr Convent?
Historically, Fahr Convent was located in an exclave of Aargau within the municipality of Unterengstringen in the canton of Zürich. Since January 1, 2008, it has been part of the municipality of Würenlos.
What significant construction occurred at Fahr Convent?
During the 17th century, a period of prosperity led to extensive construction. This included the tavern Zu den zwei Raben, renovations to the cloister and church tower, a new refectory designed by Johann Moosbrugger, and a house for the chaplain. The convent church was also decorated with frescoes by the Torricelli brothers between 1743 and 1746.
What role did the agricultural school play at Fahr Convent?
Fahr Convent established a Bäuerinnenschule, an agricultural school for women, on February 1, 1944. This school played an important role until its closure in 2015 due to economic and staffing reasons.
What cultural significance does Fahr Convent hold?
Fahr Convent is recognized for its cultural heritage and is listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national and regional significance as a Class A object of national importance. It also houses the Silja-Walter-Raum, a museum dedicated to the writer Silja Walter.
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