Franziskaner Abbay Schwaz

The Franciscan Monastery in Schwaz was founded around 1500, with the official laying of the foundation stone on August 30, 1507. The initiative for its construction came from the Schwaz mine owners, miners, and citizens, who valued the presence of the Franciscans, who had been regularly assisting in the then not yet independent parish since 1471. Emperor Maximilian I significantly supported the project. Initially, the monastery construction met with resistance from ecclesiastical authorities, as the necessary permits had not been obtained. Following interventions by the Emperor and the withdrawal of objections, ecclesiastical approval was granted on September 26, 1507. Hans Fieger von Melans zu Friedberg the Elder donated the land and his adjacent property, today known as the “Fiegerhof,” which was integrated into the monastery complex, to the Franciscans. The main wing of the monastery was consecrated as early as November 23, 1507. Construction of the monastery church began in April 1508, and the Bonaventura Chapel, which served as a provisional church, was completed and consecrated along with the cloister in 1509. Around 1518, the cemetery was established on the north side of the church. The monastery, dedicated to Saint Francis, continues to exist today.

The monastery is located in the town of Schwaz in Tyrol, Austria, at an elevation of approximately 559 meters above sea level.

The Franciscan Monastery Schwaz continues to be used by the Franciscans (OFM). Many historical elements, such as the cloister with the coats of arms of the founders and the Bonaventura Chapel with its original bull's-eye windows, have been preserved. The old sacristy also remains in its original form.

• Fugger Residence (residence, approx. 110 m away)
• Pfleggericht Residence (castle, approx. 187 m away)
• Fugger-Stöckl Residence (residence, approx. 218 m away)
• Palais Enzenberg (residence, approx. 350 m away)