Gauenstein Monastery

The Gauenstein Monastery, situated in Vorarlberg, stands as a picturesque Capuchin village within a forested enclave, elevated above the valley floor. Since the early 18th century, the site has been home to a hermitage, initially established around 1701 by Brother Kaspar Ubanizi, a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. Over the years, various hermits succeeded Brother Ubanizi, with notable figures like Brother Dismas, who constructed his own cell and garden.

In 1721, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows was erected, and the Hermitage underwent repairs under Brother Dismas’ stewardship. However, Emperor Joseph II dissolved the hermitage during his reign from 1780 to 1790, leading to its transfer to the Capuchin order.

Brother Dismas bequeathed the hermitage to the Capuchins upon his death in 1821, but subsequent ownership changes occurred until it was eventually returned to the Capuchins in 1844 due to a lack of successors. The former chapel underwent extensive demolition and reconstruction during this period.

The Capuchins facilitated accessibility to the monastery by constructing a passable road, replacing the previous arduous route via Schruns. The church was rededicated to Our Lady of Sorrows in 1851 by Georg Prünster, the auxiliary bishop in Brixen.

Throughout its history, the monastery witnessed several renovations and additions, including a guest house in 1929 and a thorough renovation of the church in 1995/96. However, the Capuchin monastery’s 180-year tenure is set to conclude in fall 2021, as the Sisters of Saint Clare prepare to relocate to Schruns.

Subsequently, the keys to the monastery will be transferred to the Early Mass benefice in Schruns, marking the end of an era for the Gauenstein Monastery and the beginning of a new chapter in its storied history.