History

In 1216, Hyacinth of Poland founded in Friesach the first Dominican monastery in the German-speaking world. The monastery was originally located in the area known as the Sack, beside the Church of the Holy Blood in the southern part of the town.

By order of Archbishop Philipp of Spanheim, a new monastery was built in 1255 at its present site outside the old town walls.

In 1264, Bishop Dietrich II of Gurk consecrated an All Saints’ Chapel.

The monastery suffered severe damage in a fire in 1637.

Thanks to its sound economic foundation and its educational and pastoral activities, the monastery escaped dissolution during the Josephinian reforms. However, it was ultimately dissolved in 1797 during the Napoleonic occupation of Carinthia.

The building was subsequently used as an arsenal and military hospital.

By the mid-19th century, the complex had fallen into a state of ruin.

In 1889, the Dominicans returned to Friesach and re-established an official branch of the Order in 1892.

At the end of 2015, the sale of the monastery and church was announced.