Capuchin Friary, Rapperswil

The friary was established in 1606, consisting originally of only four patres (priests) and three brothers (friars), as a Roman Catholic counterpart to the centre of the Reformation in Zürich.

The rose gardens and the Antoniusgrotte, dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, attract pilgrims.

The Einsiedlerhaus is in origin the medieval bailiff's house of Einsiedeln Abbey, whence the name, and is situated at the former late 10th century ferry gate to the islands of Lützelau and Ufenau.

In November 1992 the monastery opened its doors for guests, both men and women, to participate for at least one week with the monastic community.

In addition, the Swiss chapter of the order allowed the community to seek new forms of prayer and liturgy.

The monastic buildings, showing the Einsiedlerhaus to the right, and the Lindenhof hill of Rapperswil Castle in the background (September 2015)
The Capuchin church
Interior of the church
Antoniusgrotte (St. Anthony's Grotto)