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About this place
The Roman Catholic parish church of St. Mary (Katholische Pfarrkirche St. Maria) in Windisch is a post-war modernist church in the canton of Aargau, built between 1963 and 1965. It stands in Windisch next to the town of Brugg and is a good example of mid-20th-century Swiss church architecture. The cantonal building inventory lists it under the number INV-WIN929.
What makes this church stand out?
The Zurich architects Ruth and Edi Lanners designed it. The Aargau heritage inventory classes the building as post-war modernism (Nachkriegsmoderne). The complex has three parts: the church itself, a freestanding bell tower and a parish centre. That combination is typical of churches built after the Second World War, when parishes needed space for both worship and community life.
Why was a church built here?
The Catholic population in the area grew after the war. The Kirchverein Brugg bought the plot as early as 1950, and construction began in 1963. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, a Marian parish was founded here in 1965 and the church was consecrated in the same year. The organ was inaugurated on Ascension Day in 1971.
Is this the only church in Windisch?
No. Windisch is also home to the former Königsfelden monastery complex and its separate monastery church, which has a very different, medieval history. St. Maria is a modern parish church and works best as a stop of its own.
How should you visit?
This is a working parish church, so plan any visit inside around services and respect worshippers. The exterior, the bell tower and the parish buildings can be seen from public space. The coordinates are roughly 47.475 N, 8.213 E. Windisch sits right beside Brugg, so it is easy to reach by regional train or car, and a visit combines well with Königsfelden and the remains of the Roman legionary camp of Vindonissa.
Frequently asked questions
When was St. Maria in Windisch built?
Construction ran from 1963 to 1965, and the church was consecrated in 1965.
Who designed it?
The Zurich architects Ruth and Edi Lanners.
Is the church protected?
It is listed in the Aargau canton's building inventory (INV-WIN929) as a post-war modernist building.
Is it the same as the Königsfelden monastery church?
No. They are two separate buildings in Windisch: a modern parish church and a medieval monastery church.
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