preachers church

Predigerkirche (Preachers' Church) in Zürich is a Reformed church in the Old Town, on Zähringerplatz in the Niederdorf quarter. Its slender spire is a familiar part of the city skyline, and the building traces back to a medieval Dominican friary.

Where does the church come from?

The Dominicans, known in German as the Prediger or preachers, settled in Zürich in the first half of the 13th century. The foundation is usually dated to 1231, and the friary first appears in written records in 1234. The original church was a Romanesque basilica with a distinct crossing and two apses. The friars laid out the whole complex in the Niederdorf and used the church for preaching and pastoral work. The friary was dissolved in 1524 during the Reformation, and the church turned Protestant. Today it belongs to the Reformed Church of the Canton of Zürich.

What will you see?

• Gothic choir. After a fire in the 14th century, the old choir was replaced in two building phases. Tree-ring dating points to timber felled in 1317 and 1323. The roof frame is considered the oldest known roof structure in Zürich. The choir, called the Predigerchor, has been converted and now serves the neighbouring Central Library (Zentralbibliothek Zürich).
• The tower. The medieval bell tower ranked among the tallest Gothic structures in the city. The present spire dates from 1900, designed by architect Friedrich Wehrli in Neo-Gothic style, and rises roughly 96 to 97 metres.
• The interior. In the mid-17th century the roof trusses began to tilt, and the building needed urgent stabilising. The early Baroque conversion left the nave with the stucco decoration still visible today.

How do you get there?

The church stands in the city centre, a few minutes on foot from Zürich Hauptbahnhof and the university. The easiest approach is a walk through the Niederdorf, or a tram to Central or Kunsthaus. Zähringerplatz sits next to the library, so a visit combines well with an Old Town stroll.

When should you visit?

Access to the interior depends on opening hours and parish events, so check the current schedule before you go. The church regularly hosts organ and choir concerts. The exterior can be admired at any hour, and the tower catches the best light in the morning and late afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Predigerkirche a Catholic church? No. It began as a Dominican church, but since the Reformation it has been a Protestant, Reformed church.

How old is the tower? The current tower was built in 1900 in Neo-Gothic style. Its medieval predecessor was one of the tallest Gothic buildings in the city.

What occupies the former choir? The Gothic Predigerchor has been converted and forms part of the Zentralbibliothek Zürich.

Is entry free? Admission to the church is usually free, but confirm opening hours before your visit.