Feldbach Abbey

Feldbach Abbey was a significant former Cistercian convent for nuns situated in Steckborn, within the Swiss canton of Thurgau. Its establishment is recorded between 1253 and 1254, with its initial mention appearing in 1256 as 'monasterium in Velpach'. The convent quickly became integrated into the Cistercian Order, receiving spiritual direction from the abbot of Salem and later, from 1603, from the abbot of Wettingen. Historically, it belonged to the Diocese of Constance until 1814, after which it came under the Diocese of Basel.

Foundation and Medieval Growth

The origins of Feldbach Abbey trace back to 1252 when a group of non-regular nuns from Konstanz acquired Feldbach Castle and its chapel's patronage rights. With episcopal permission, they established a convent in 1253/1254. The convent's growth was notably supported by the lords of Klingen and Klingenberg, leading to substantial property acquisition in the surrounding regions. By 1282, Feldbach had secured advocacy and patronage rights for Hemmenhofen, solidifying its position as a significant jurisdictional lord in Thurgau. The construction of its early Gothic church is suggested by a letter of indulgence issued in 1327. During the Middle Ages, the nuns predominantly came from burgher families of Konstanz and the lower nobility of the Lake Constance area, with lay sisters also documented until 1333.

Reformation and Reorganization

Following the transfer of sovereignty over the Landgraviate of Thurgau to the Confederates in 1460, the abbey navigated the challenges of the Reformation. Abbess Barbara and approximately half the nuns chose to remain adherents of the Catholic faith. By 1549, the convent was in a state of disarray, burdened by debt and a depleted community. Under the guidance of Abbess Afra Schmid, who was installed by the Catholic cantons, the administration was reorganized, and new young women were admitted and trained in community life and plainchant. This reformative period continued into the 18th century, with the majority of religious in 1720 originating from Thurgau, other Catholic cantons, Swabia, or Tyrol. The abbey church itself underwent renovation in 1764.

Suppression and Later History

Feldbach Abbey was suppressed in 1848. The abbess and sisters relocated to Tänikon in 1848, then to Mammern in 1853, and finally to Mariastern-Gwiggen in Vorarlberg between 1861 and 1864. The conventual buildings were subsequently returned to the municipality of Steckborn. From 1865 onwards, these structures were utilized for industrial purposes. A devastating fire in 1895 destroyed a significant portion of the buildings, leaving only remnants of what was known as 'the old lakeside convent' and a few outbuildings. The preserved older monastery buildings have since been integrated into a hotel complex.