Töss Monastery
Töss Monastery was a significant Dominican nunnery founded in 1233 near the Töss River, which grew to own property in approximately 130 communities. It played a notable role in medieval Zurich, housing prominent figures like Elsbeth Stagel and Blessed Elizabeth of Hungary. The monastery was eventually closed following the Protestant Reformation, and its buildings have since been demolished.
Key Facts
- ›Construction began in 1233 under Count Hartmann IV of Kyburg.
- ›Initially followed the Rule of St. Augustine, becoming Dominican in 1245.
- ›Owned properties or incomes in about 130 communities around the Canton of Zürich.
- ›Notable nuns included Swiss mystic Elsbeth Stagel and Blessed Elizabeth of Hungary.
- ›Influence diminished after the Protestant Reformation around 1520.
- ›No original buildings of the monastery exist today.
- Cloister Decorated With Murals Between 1468 and 1491
Elsbeth Stagel, Blessed Elizabeth of Hungary, Count Hartmann Iv of Kyburg, Bishop Heinrich Von Tanne of Constance, Pope Gregory Ix
- Construction Began In 1233.
- Confirmed By Bishop Heinrich Von Tanne In 1233.
- Placed Under Authority of Predigerkloster In ZüRich In 1235.
- Became A Dominican Monastery In 1245.
- Monastery Residence Hall Completed In 1271.
- Monastery Church Dedicated In 1240.
- New Altars Dedicated In 1325.
- Cloister Expanded and Decorated With Murals Between 1468 and 1491.
- Closed Following the Protestant Reformation Around 1520.
- Former Monastery Church Demolished In the Early 20th Century.
About Töss Monastery
Töss Monastery was a prominent Dominican nunnery established in 1233 in the former Swiss city of Töss, which is now part of Winterthur. Situated near the Töss River, the monastery's construction was initiated by Count Hartmann IV of Kyburg and confirmed by Bishop Heinrich von Tanne of Constance. Initially adhering to the Rule of St. Augustine, the community transitioned to the Dominican order in 1245.
Over the centuries, Töss Monastery experienced significant growth, eventually holding properties or incomes in approximately 130 communities within the Canton of Zürich. Its history saw shifts in authority, passing from the Kyburg Herrschaft to the Habsburgs, and subsequently under the governance of the city of Zürich before returning to Habsburg control, and finally back to Zürich.
The monastery complex included a residence hall, completed in 1271, and a church dedicated in 1240, which later saw enlargements and new altars in 1325. Between 1468 and 1491, the cloister was expanded and adorned with murals. The community was home to notable figures, including the Swiss mystic Elsbeth Stagel, who served as prioress, and Blessed Elizabeth of Hungary. Stagel is linked to the "Lives of the Nuns of Töss," a collection offering insight into the monastery's spiritual life.
The influence of Töss Monastery on Zurich began to wane with the advent of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland around 1520. Following its closure, the complex deteriorated over time. The monastery's estates were nationalized to support the needy and a local school. In the post-French Revolution era, the site was sold, and the former monastery church was demolished in the early 20th century, leaving no physical remnants of the original monastic structures today.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Töss Monastery founded?
The construction of Töss Monastery began in 1233. It was confirmed by the Bishop of Constance in the same year and placed under the authority of the Predigerkloster in Zürich in 1235.
What religious order did Töss Monastery belong to?
Initially, the nuns at Töss followed the Rule of St. Augustine. However, in 1245, it officially became a Dominican monastery.
What happened to Töss Monastery after the Reformation?
Following the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland around 1520, the monastery was closed. Its influence waned, and the complex began to deteriorate over the subsequent centuries.
Are there any remaining buildings from Töss Monastery?
No, there are no original buildings of Töss Monastery that exist today. The former monastery church was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century.
Who were some notable nuns at Töss Monastery?
Two prominent nuns were the Swiss mystic Elsbeth Stagel, who served as prioress, and Blessed Elizabeth of Hungary, the last member of the House of Árpád. Elsbeth Stagel may have contributed to the 'Lives of the Nuns of Töss,' a collection of biographies.
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