Einsiedeln Abbey
Kloster Einsiedeln
Switzerland's most important Catholic pilgrimage site. The Baroque abbey houses the Black Madonna, and its gilded church is breathtaking.
The Benedictine abbey of Einsiedeln was founded in 934. The surviving buildings are a Baroque masterpiece rebuilt in the early 18th century, and the church interior is full of gilded stucco decoration and ceiling frescoes. At the entrance, the Chapel of Grace houses the 'Black Madonna,' darkened by candle smoke, and it is the heart of the pilgrimage. The abbey library has set hours for visits, and a ticket is required. Every evening, the monks sing the Salve Regina. From Zurich, the train takes about 1 hour via Wädenswil.
Opening hours
Church approx. 05:30–20:30; free
Nearby sights
- Rapperswil
- Lindt Home of Chocolate
- Chinese Garden Zurich
- Pavillon Le Corbusier
- Zoo Zürich
- Zurich Opera House
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Lake Zurich