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Einsiedeln is located in the heart of Central Switzerland close to Zurich. The Benedictine Abbey of Einsiedeln is the most important baroque building in Switzerland. Since the Middle Ages the Chapel of Our Lady with the famous "Black Madonna" has been one of the most significant pilgrimage places in Europe.
A monk called Meinrad came to this region to live as hermit. After his violent death in 861, a chapel was built at the site of his hermitage. This is the origin of the city’s name, which means hermitage.
The history of the Benedictine Abbey dates back to 934, when a monastic community was founded at the site of St. Meinrad’s hermitage. The pilgrimage to Our Lady of Einsiedeln and her miraculously dedicated chapel developed in the subsequent centuries and attracted pilgrims from all over Europe.
In 1466, the present statue of the Madonna was brought to Einsiedeln and the place became the most important Marian shrine in Switzerland as well as a place of worship, hospitality and culture.
In 1704 the foundations were laid for the abbey complex and the magnificent baroque abbey church was consecrated in 1735.
Even today, the abbey is the home to a dynamic monastic community following the Rule of Saint Benedict. The monks teach at the Abbey School numbering about 350 students, serve in several parishes, and are available for the spiritual needs of the pilgrims.
The statue of the "Black Madonna" was brought to Einsiedeln in 1466 to replace a former roman statue which was destroyed during a fire in 1465. Since the 17th century the late-gothic style Madonna is dressed with beautifully handcrafted dresses.
"Engelweihe" is the feast of the dedication of the Chapel of Our Lady. It refers to a legendary event in the year 934, according to which Christ, in the company of many angels and saints, consecrated the chapel at the site of St. Meinrad's hermitage. "Engelweihe" is celebrated every year on the 13th and 14th of September.