Kreuzlingen Abbey

Nestled in the charming town of Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, lies the historic Kreuzlingen Abbey, known locally as Augustinerchorherrenstift Kreuzlingen. This former Augustinian canons' abbey, with its rich history and splendid architecture, offers a captivating journey back in time for visitors. Founded around 1125 by Bishop Ulrich I of Kyburg-Dillingen, the abbey has witnessed centuries of religious, cultural, and political transformations.

The Origins of Kreuzlingen Abbey

The origins of Kreuzlingen Abbey are steeped in legend and devotion. The tale begins with Bishop Conrad I of Constance, who served from 935 to 976. On one of his pilgrimages to Jerusalem, he brought back a fragment of the True Cross, which he donated to a hospital he established in Stadelhofen, a suburb of Constance. This hospital was named Crucelin, derived from the Latin Crucis Lignum, meaning Wood of the Cross, a name that eventually evolved into Kreuzlingen.

After Bishop Conrad's death, the hospital fell into disrepair, described as partially destroyed in a 1125 document by Emperor Henry V. Bishop Ulrich I, recognizing the need for renewal, relocated the hospital to Egelshofen and founded a church dedicated to St. Ulrich and St. Afra, merging both into an Augustinian canons' abbey around 1125.

Rise and Challenges

The abbey flourished under the protection of Pope Lucius II and Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in the mid-12th century, becoming a Reichsstift (imperial abbey). However, its journey was fraught with challenges. The abbey was destroyed during the Swabian War in 1499 and again during the Thirty Years' War in 1633, each time necessitating a significant rebuild.

After the Swabian War, the abbey was reconstructed with the support of the city of Constance, and in 1509, Abbot Peter I of Babenberg rededicated the church. Despite the turmoil of the Reformation, the abbey remained steadfast in its Catholic faith. The Thirty Years' War brought further destruction, but the abbey was rebuilt once more, this time at a safer distance from Constance, with construction completed in 1653.

The Baroque Splendor

The current abbey church, built between 1650 and 1653, is a masterpiece of early Baroque architecture designed by Michael Beer and executed by Stephan Gunertsreiner and Melchior Gruber. The church's interior underwent a Rococo transformation in the mid-18th century, adding to its artistic grandeur. The ceiling frescoes by Franz Ludwig Herrmann depict scenes from the life of St. Augustine, while the chancel screen crafted by Johann Jakob Hoffner in 1737 is a stunning example of Baroque craftsmanship.

The abbey also boasts the Ölberg Chapel, built in 1760, which houses a remarkable Gnadenkreuz and Calvary. The chapel's grotto-like interior, adorned with over 250 wooden statues carved between 1720 and 1730, creates an enchanting and sacred atmosphere.

Secularization and Modern Use

In 1848, the Thurgau government secularized Kreuzlingen Abbey, confiscating its properties and selling them off. The medieval library was transferred to the Thurgau Cantonal Library, and parts of the abbey complex were demolished. The remaining buildings housed a teacher training college, the precursor to today's Pädagogische Maturitätsschule Kreuzlingen. The abbey church of St. Ulrich and St. Afra became the local Roman Catholic parish church.

A devastating fire in 1963, caused by welding work in the attic of the teacher training college, destroyed much of the church and abbey buildings. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of preservationists, the church and abbey were meticulously restored between 1963 and 1967, led by architect Hans Burkard. The main organ, built by Rieger Orgelbau in 1968, continues to fill the church with its majestic sound.

A Visit to Kreuzlingen Abbey

Today, Kreuzlingen Abbey stands as a testament to resilience and faith. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored abbey church, admire the intricate Rococo details, and reflect in the serene Ölberg Chapel. The small museum located above the sacristy offers a glimpse into the abbey's storied past, including artifacts from the former monastery and documentation of the 1963 fire and subsequent restoration.

The abbey's bell tower houses seven bells, the heaviest of which was cast by Eschmann of Rickenbach. The full peal of bells rings out every Saturday, heralding the arrival of Sunday, while the largest bell is reserved for special occasions.

In conclusion, Kreuzlingen Abbey is not just a historical monument but a living symbol of the region's cultural and religious heritage. Its walls echo with stories of devotion, perseverance, and artistic achievement, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the picturesque town of Kreuzlingen.