Affiliation
The Dialoghotel Eckstein is supported by the“Focolare Movement Switzerland“. It was established as one of the meeting and education centers of the international Focolare Movement.
Such centers can be found in all parts of the world, each with their own local characteristics. Within the Focolare Movement they are often referred to as “Mariapoli centers”. In the three German-speaking countries of Europe – Germany, Austria and Switzerland – there are the following houses:
dialog.hotel.wien Am Spiegeln (Vienna, Austria)
Ottmaring Conference Center (Bavaria, Germany)
Center for Peace, Solingen (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)
The Focolare Movement
Originating in Italy during the Second World War, the internationally active Focolare Movement is one of the recognized new spiritual awakenings that have emerged from the Christian churches. Its aim is to bring the spirit of fraternity and unity more strongly into churches and society, into all areas of human life. To this end, it has embarked on a path of dialog: within its own church, between churches, with representatives of other religions and also with people who profess no religion.
Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement, has received numerous awards for her work throughout the world, including the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in 1996 and the Council of Europe Human Rights Prize in 1998.
History of the building complex on Langgasse in Baar
The home of the spinning mill employees
From girls’ home to educational center to today’s hotel – a brief historical review of the history of our building complex
Until 1974, the building served as a girls’ home for the workers of the Spinnerei an der Lorze. After standing empty for two years, it was acquired in 1976 thanks to the generous support of members and friends of the Focolare Movement and was rebuilt and renovated in several stages (1997/98, 2005, 2018 and 2020).
The ecumenical inauguration and opening of the center took place on September 6, 1978, with Bishop Anton Hänggi, Pastor Jakob Frei of Kappel and Metropolitan Emilianos of Geneva.
Girls’ home 1976
Inauguration of the Focolare Center
on September 6, 1978
Today’s “Eckstein” settlement
The Dialoghotel is part of the Eckstein settlement, a project of the Focolare Movement. The residents of these buildings want to try out how a small society based on the mutual love of the Gospel can function in their daily interactions.
Important components of the estate are the small businesses located there:
– the second-hand store “Von und Für”
– the art studio “Il Risorto”.
– “Miraculix” children’s club
– Since summer 2014, the publishing house “Neue Stadt” with its range of books, magazines and art cards.
