Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche Oberglatt

Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche Oberglatt is the Reformed parish church in the village centre of Oberglatt, canton of Zurich, and one of the best-known Swiss church buildings of the 1960s. Designed by architect Ernst Gisel in exposed concrete, it is listed in the canton's inventory of heritage objects of supra-municipal importance.

How did the church come about?

The congregation had long suffered from a lack of space and the absence of an organ. In 1954 voters rejected a first plan to rebuild the old church. Things changed in 1961, when a credit for a new building was approved after Ernst Gisel's sketch won over the authorities and voters. The previous church, dating from 1658, was demolished in 1962, and the foundation stone of the new one was laid on 3 November that year. The structural engineer was Dr E. Staudacher. The church was inaugurated on 6 September 1964.

What can you see outside?

The building rises over a square plan. A sloping roof falls from the tower towards the north and west and extends far beyond the walls, creating a covered walkway on the north and east sides, carried by a few concrete and metal supports. The roof is clad in Eternit. The tower in the south-east corner seems to grow out of the main body. It has six large, inward-angled openings that bring daylight into the chancel, with three bell chambers above and clock faces facing east and west. The south and east walls have very few windows, while the low north and west facades are almost entirely glazed. The roof reaches down towards the courtyard to blend with the village's farm buildings, and also echoes the tent symbolism common in church architecture of that time.

What is the interior like?

You enter the nave through a double door with red and violet enamelled leaves by Max Hellstern. Exposed concrete dominates inside, together with redwood panelling on walls and ceiling and a natural stone floor. The chancel is raised by three steps. The baptismal font and communion table are white marble, made by Piero Selmoni. The pulpit and the organ are also part of the protected fittings. A straight staircase along the south wall leads to the gallery, which rests on concrete columns.

Where is it and what stands nearby?

The church is at Rümlangstrasse 7, on the north side of the street that forms a triangle with Kirchrain and Bülachstrasse. The nave sits half a storey above street level, and several flights of steps lead to the two entrances: the main one on the west facade and a side one on the north. Next to it stand the vicarage from 1698 and the parish centre from 1989.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Oberglatt church? Ernst Gisel. It was his second church in the canton of Zurich, after Effretikon (1959-1961).

When did the current church open? On 6 September 1964. The earlier church from 1658 was torn down in 1962.

What is it built of? Mainly exposed concrete, with redwood inside and an Eternit roof.

Can you visit the interior? Opening times are set by the parish, so check its website before your visit. The building and its canopy can be viewed from outside at any time.