History and funding body
The four phases of the monastery Kappel
Monastery (1185 to 1527)
In 1185 the Barons of Eschenbach-Schnabelburg erected a monastery in Kappel. Cisterian monks were brought in from Hauterive and commissioned with the work of running and building up the monastery. They lived according to the Benedictine motto «Pray and work» and had a great influence on the agriculture and construction activity of that time.
Under Zürich Government (1541 to 1803)
During the Reformation, the monastery was dissolved. In 1527 the abbot and the convent turned it over to their patron city Zurich. Officials managed the former monastic estates and regulated the care of the poor.
Poorhouse (1836 to 1983)
After the liberal revolution in Zurich in 1830, the canton decided to sell all its nonessential state properties. The non-profit society of the district Knonau acquired the former monastery for the parishes of the district, who then turned it into a poorhouse in 1836. For a time, a school for orphans was conducted, then a reform school was added in 1876 and in 1894 a district health asylum for people on low incomes. Once groundbreaking, these were the first social institutions founded in the district of Affoltern. Yet with the passing of time they were unable to hold up to changing standards. In the 1960’s new uses for the former monastery site were considered.
Seminar Hotel and Education Center (since 1983)
The association Kloster Kappel is still the owner of the former monastery site. The 13 surrounding parish churches and the Protestant Reformed Church of Zürich belong to it, as well.
The Protestant Reformed Church of Zürich has run a seminar hotel and education center in these historic buildings since 1983. At first it was called «House of Silence and Reflection». In 2008 it changed back to the old-new name of «Kloster Kappel» (Kappel Monastery). Koster Kappel is a member of the Community of Protestant Cisterian Heirs.
Church and rectory are owned by the Canton of Zurich.
A comprehensive overview is provided in the book by Thomas Huonker and Peter Niederhäuser : «800 Years Kloster Kappel; Abbey, Poorhouse, Education Center».
