Konigsfelden Monastery

King Albert I of Habsburg was killed near here in 1308 by his nephew, and his widow Elisabeth and daughter Agnes founded a double monastery of Franciscans and Poor Clares on the spot. The church that resulted holds eleven windows of stained glass made in the 1320s and 1330s, largely intact, showing saints and scenes in colours that have kept their intensity - it is among the most complete and highest-quality medieval glazing schemes surviving anywhere in Europe, and it is the reason to come. The Reformation ended monastic life in 1528 and Bern used the buildings as an administrative seat; later they housed a psychiatric clinic, which still operates on part of the grounds.

What's there

• Eleven windows of the 1320s-30s - among Europe's most complete medieval glazing.
• A foundation after a regicide - built where Albert I was killed in 1308.
• A double monastery plan - Franciscans and Poor Clares on one site.
• Roman Vindonissa beneath - the legionary fortress the monastery sits on.

When to go

April to October; the glass is best in bright light. Two hours.

Good to know

Winter opening is limited and the church closes for events. The glass needs sun to show properly - a grey day flattens it. Part of the site is a working clinic and closed. Labelling is in German.

Nearby

Vindonissa museum is next door; Habsburg castle is on the hill.

Key facts