Pfarrkirche St. Georg und Zeno

The Parish Church of St. George and Zeno in Arth is an early Baroque church in the municipality of Arth, canton of Schwyz, on the shore of Lake Zug between the Rigi and Rossberg massifs. Begun in 1695, it ranks among the village's main religious landmarks and honours two patron saints, George and Zeno.

What is the history of the church?

Arth's first "new" parish church went up in 1312 beside the chapel of St. George. The patronage rights stayed with the Hünenberg family for generations until the people of Schwyz acquired them in 1448. The present building was started in 1695 under master builder Jeremias Schmid; records also name Caspar Moosbrugger, a well-known architect from the Vorarlberg building tradition. It was consecrated in 1697.

The interior was restored between 1979 and 1982, and the exterior in 1992.

What can you see outside?

The west tower is the most recognisable feature. Its lower stages date to the 15th century, while the lantern dome was added in 1705. An open, stuccoed vestibule links the tower to the nave, so visitors enter through a half-open porch.

What is inside?

• The high altar, with a central painting dated 1697.
• Pulpit and altars in dark polished marble, from around 1700.
• Painted wooden statues of the patron saints, George and Zeno.
• Double-sided altars with paintings by Steiner, among them the Holy Family with Joachim and the Adoration of the Magi, partly by Melchior Paul von Deschwanden.
• A presbytery furnished in 1726, with carved choir stalls from about 1700.
• Confessionals from 1764.

Together they make the church a good example of Schwyz Baroque, where a restrained exterior hides a richly furnished interior.

How do you get to Arth?

Arth lies on the Gotthard route at the upper end of Lake Zug, and the municipality also includes Oberarth and Goldau. The church stands in Arth itself, so a visit combines easily with a lakeside walk or a trip up the Rigi.

When should you visit?

This is a working church of the Roman Catholic parish of Arth-Goldau in the Diocese of Chur. Visit outside service times, and check current Mass schedules on the parish website, kath-arth-goldau.ch. Daylight shows the marble and gilding at their best.

Frequently asked questions

When was the church in Arth built? Construction began in 1695 and the church was consecrated in 1697. Its predecessor dates to 1312 and stood next to St. George's chapel.

Who designed it? Jeremias Schmid led the work; records also name Caspar Moosbrugger.

What style is it? Early Baroque, typical of the canton of Schwyz. The tower has older 15th-century sections, and its dome was added in 1705.

Is it still an active church? Yes. It belongs to the Arth-Goldau parish in the Diocese of Chur, so it is best to hold off sightseeing during services.