Did you think that monasteries only existed in the past? Well, now you can get a taste of history with a visit to Kloster Allerheiligen, a former Benedictine monastery that is also the oldest building in the municipality. It’s a charming structure left over from medieval times, with an exterior of weathered brick, a piercing spire and a snug roof. In its heyday, it was the largest cloister in Switzerland. But it’s not just a dead relic of a bygone era; this building has a story to tell. Its history is closely interlinked with that of the Nellenburg noble family and its intrigue. In the 11th century, the Investiture Controversy incited raging conflict between the church and the secular powers of the city as they fought for the rights of the ministry of the clergy. In the midst of this furore, the Count Nellenburg relinquished his rights to the monastery and subordinated it directly to the Pope. Since then, the Abbotts became the new city rulers of Schaffhausen and have continued to make their mark upon the city ever since. Today, a visit there will be sure to inspire you and leave you in awe of its history.