Catholic Holy Trinity Church

The Catholic Holy Trinity Church (Dreifaltigkeitskirche) in Adliswil is a neo-Gothic basilica in the canton of Zurich, in a town just south of the city of Zurich in the Sihl valley. It was consecrated in autumn 1904, and its slender tower with a steep pointed spire is one of the clearest landmarks on the local skyline.

What makes this church stand out?

The architect was August Hardegger (1858–1927) of St. Gallen, a leading designer of Catholic churches in German-speaking Switzerland around 1900. Heritage inventories of the canton of Zurich credit him with almost all the large Catholic churches built there between 1891 and 1904, and Adliswil is part of that run. The building is a stately neo-Gothic basilica with pointed-arch detailing and a tower that rises above the surrounding streets.

Prince Max of Saxony, a priest and theology professor, consecrated the church on 25 September 1904. The town's Reformed congregation had finished a new church of its own only a few years earlier, so the Catholic building marked a milestone for the local parish.

What can you see inside?

The interior changed during the twentieth century. After 1962 much of the original neo-Gothic furnishing was removed, which is why Zurich's heritage experts cite Adliswil as one of the Hardegger churches that have been stripped back, or "purified". For architecture fans it is a record of how liturgical taste shifted after the Second Vatican Council.

One piece of the furnishing has its own story: a painted wooden figure of the prophet Moses, carved in 1914 for a church in Belgium. The outbreak of war upset that plan, so it was set up on the pulpit canopy in Adliswil instead. It stayed there until 1979, went into storage, and later returned to the church.

How do you get there, and how long do you need?

The church stands in central Adliswil, at roughly 47.313 N, 8.522 E. The town is linked to Zurich by the Sihl valley suburban railway and by buses, so a visit fits easily into a half-day trip from the city. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the exterior and interior, and combine it with a walk through Adliswil or along the Sihl.

This is a working parish church, so keep quiet inside and do not take photos during services. Check opening times on the parish website.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Holy Trinity Church in Adliswil built?

It was consecrated on 25 September 1904. The design is by August Hardegger.

What style is the church?

It is a neo-Gothic basilica with a tall pointed spire. After 1962 the interior was simplified and part of the original furnishing was removed.

Which diocese does the parish belong to?

The church belongs to the Diocese of Chur, in the Albis deanery.

Is it worth a special trip?

For fans of sacred architecture and Hardegger's work, yes. For other visitors it is a convenient short stop while exploring Adliswil on the way up the Sihl valley from Zurich.