Dominikanerkloster Friesach

The Dominikanerkloster Friesach, founded in 1217, is the oldest Dominican monastery in the German-speaking world. The Dominicans arrived in Friesach just four years after the order was officially founded (1216), which gives Friesach a specific position in Dominican history: this is where the order's German-language expansion began.

The Dominikanerkloster at Dominikanergasse in Friesach was founded in 1217, making it the oldest Dominican monastery in the German-speaking world. The Dominicans arrived here four years after the order’s official founding (1216), establishing their first German-language base in what was then a major Carinthian economic center controlled by the Archbishops of Salzburg. The monastery adjoins the Dominikanerkirche, Carinthia’s longest church at 72 meters. Friesach’s medieval center, including a still-water moat and castle ruins, is intact and walkable. 45 minutes from Klagenfurt by train. Check friesach.at for current monastery access.