christ catholic collegiate church of St. Martin

The Collegiate Church of St. Martin (Stiftskirche St. Martin) in Rheinfelden, canton of Aargau, is a Christian Catholic (Old Catholic) church set in the historic old town on Kirchgasse, close to the Rhine. It stands on the Swiss bank, so do not confuse it with Rheinfelden (Baden) across the river in Germany.

What is the history of the church?

A church on this spot is first mentioned in 1146, and its first cleric is recorded in 1170. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland places the parish church as early as the 11th century, probably as a proprietary church of the Counts of Rheinfelden. In 1228, with the bishop of Basel's approval, a secular collegiate chapter dedicated to St. Martin was founded here. It was led by a provost, a dean and a scholaster, who ran the school.

The choir was consecrated in 1352 and the nave finished roughly thirty years later; both still carry the stamp of early mendicant-order architecture. Between 1769 and 1772 the church was thoroughly renovated and given a Baroque makeover.

Why is it an Old Catholic church?

The chapter was dissolved in 1870, when only three canons remained. In 1873 the parish joined the Christian Catholic Church, and in 1876 Switzerland's first Christian Catholic bishop was consecrated in St. Martin's. That makes the building a landmark in the history of Swiss Old Catholicism.

What will you see?

A medieval choir and nave combined with 18th-century Baroque interior work. The church has been restored using modern methods under federal and cantonal heritage supervision: the exterior in 1978-1980 and the interior in 1986-1992. It is listed in the Aargau heritage inventory (DSI-RHE010). As a working parish church, it is easiest to visit outside services, so check opening times with the parish.

How do you get there?

The church lies in Rheinfelden's old town (around 47.554 N, 7.793 E), a short walk from the Rhine embankment. From Rheinfelden railway station you can walk through the town centre. If you drive, park outside the core and continue on foot through the old streets.

When should you visit?

Combine the visit with a stroll through the old town and along the river. Spring and summer give the longest days, and Rheinfelden works well as a half-day trip from Basel. To hear the church bells, time your visit with a service.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same church as the one in German Rheinfelden? No. St. Martin's is in Swiss Rheinfelden in Aargau, not in Rheinfelden (Baden) in Germany.

How old is the building? The choir was consecrated in 1352, the nave followed about three decades later, and the Baroque interior dates from 1769-1772.

Why is it called a collegiate church? From 1228 to 1870 a chapter of canons served here, a college of clergy, hence the name Stiftskirche.

Is the church still in use? Yes, it is the parish church of the Christian Catholic community. Interior visits depend on opening hours and services.