Konigsfelden Monastery
A Gothic church founded where a king was murdered, holding one of Europe's finest cycles of medieval stained glass.
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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 you actually see
- 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.
Honest expectations
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.
What to pack for Konigsfelden Monastery
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
