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About this place
The Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul (Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul) is in Flumenthal, a village in the Swiss canton of Solothurn, a few kilometres northeast of the cantonal capital. It is one of the oldest parish churches in the area, and the building you see today dates from the early 16th century.
What is this church and where is it?
The church sits at Kirchgasse 31 in the village centre and is dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul. It appears on the canton's list of protected buildings, and a 2008 draft inventory also lists it among cultural properties of national significance. For anyone interested in sacred architecture, it is a worthwhile stop in this part of Switzerland.
What is its history?
The first written record is from 1228, when it is named as the first parish church of the Solothurn deanery. It was founded by the Barons of Balm, who held the surrounding land at the time. Nobody knows what that earliest building looked like.
The right to appoint the parish priest changed hands over the centuries. It went to Count Rudolf of Neuchâtel-Nidau in 1336 and to the city of Solothurn in 1411. The present church was built in 1513, a date confirmed by dendrochronology, the dating of tree rings in the roof timbers.
What do we know about its restoration?
The church has been restored in stages. Reports from the Solothurn heritage office mention partial restorations, and the 2002 report lists an exterior renovation. Stefan Blank published a study of the building in 1999 in the series "Archäologie und Denkmalpflege im Kanton Solothurn" (volume 4). For technical detail, that article and the canton's heritage publications are the best place to start.
How should I plan a visit?
Flumenthal is a small village, so the church fits easily into a day trip from Solothurn, the baroque town on the Aare. Check public transport connections on sbb.ch. Confirm interior opening hours with the parish before you go, because rural Swiss churches are not always open all day. The exterior can be viewed in any season, and clear mornings give the best light for photos.
Frequently asked questions
When was the current church in Flumenthal built?
The present building dates from 1513, confirmed by analysis of the roof timbers. The parish itself is much older and appears in records from 1228.
Who founded the first church?
The Barons of Balm, medieval landholders in the area, founded it. The look of the original building is unknown.
Is the church protected?
Yes. It is on the Solothurn canton's list of protected buildings at Kirchgasse 31, and a 2008 draft inventory names it among cultural properties of national significance.
Can I go inside?
Opening hours depend on the parish. Check locally before travelling, as village churches may be closed outside services.
How do I get there from Solothurn?
Flumenthal lies close to the cantonal capital, so it is a short trip by car or bike. For public transport, use the SBB journey planner.
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