Reformierte Kirche Maur

Reformierte Kirche Maur is the Swiss Reformed parish church of Maur, a municipality in the canton of Zurich on the shore of Lake Greifensee. The building dates from the early 16th century, but the spot has been used far longer: excavations beneath it turned up traces of earlier places of worship and even Roman masonry.

What is the history of the church?

The present church was built between 1507 and 1512. Work began with the tower, followed by the choir and nave, and the project was finished in 1512. It replaced a Romanesque church from around 1200, which in turn had succeeded two early medieval buildings. Archaeologists found Roman wall remains under the church and early medieval burial grounds around the site. The municipality states that the Maur church appears in a document from 963 and that the site was in religious use as early as the 7th century.

In the 19th century the tower received a neo-Gothic renovation. A clock mechanism was added in 1537, though it had only a single hour hand; a two-handed clock face arrived in 1920. In 2011 the village marked the church's 500th anniversary with a three-day celebration.

What will you see?

The late Gothic church with its tower is a landmark of the village. For anyone interested in local history, it is a place where layers from the Roman era to the Reformation sit one on top of another. The church is in active parish use, so the interior is usually open during services and parish events. Check ref-maur.ch for current times.

How do you get to Maur?

Maur lies on the eastern side of Greifensee, about 10 km east of Zurich. You can reach it by bus or car, and the area suits walkers and cyclists thanks to a signposted path around the lake. The church sits at roughly 47.3378° N, 8.6727° E.

When should you visit?

Late spring to early autumn is the most pleasant time, when a church stop combines easily with a lakeside walk. The visit itself takes 20 to 30 minutes, not counting any time on the shoreline.

Frequently asked questions

When was the church in Maur built? The current building dates from 1507 to 1512 and stands on the site of older churches.

Is the church open to visitors? It is a working parish church, so the best chance of getting inside is during services or events. The parish publishes the schedule.

Is it the same as the church in the town of Greifensee? No. The Reformed church in Greifensee town is a separate Gothic building from around 1340 on the other side of the lake.

What else is nearby? The Greifensee shoreline and the walking and cycling routes around the lake.