Römisch-katholische Kirche Magden

The Roman Catholic Church in Magden (the Marienkirche, parish of St. Mary) is a modernist place of worship in the village of Magden, canton Aargau, Switzerland, a short drive from Rheinfelden. It sits at Brüelstrasse 7 and counts among the region's more notable examples of postwar church architecture.

Why does Magden have two churches?

The old village church, dedicated to St. Martin, dates to 1620. In 1872 the local congregation joined the Christian Catholic (Old Catholic) movement, and the building passed to that community in 1906. Magden's remaining Roman Catholics travelled to neighbouring Rheinfelden for services for nearly a century.

Things changed in the 1950s. A chapel association formed in 1953 and a plot was bought in 1956. A large private gift of 100,000 francs made it possible to plan a full church instead of a modest chapel. Basel architect Leo Cron won the design competition. Building began on 17 August 1967, and Bishop Anton Hänggi consecrated the church on 2 February 1969.

What will you see?

The church is a tent-shaped structure with a separate, free-standing bell tower. Its concrete frame survives in original condition, which is rare among Aargau churches and a key reason the building appears in the canton's heritage inventory.

The interior was designed by Albert Schilling (1904–1987), a sculptor from Arlesheim, who made the altar, cross and tabernacle. An organ by the Mathis firm of Näfels was installed in 2000.

How do you get there?

Magden lies in the Magdenerbach valley south of the Rhine. From Rheinfelden or Basel, drive or take a regional bus to the village centre; the church stands in the built-up part of the village within a short walk of the stop. Coordinates: 47.528 N, 7.807 E.

When should you visit?

The exterior can be admired at any time. Interior access depends on the parish, so check current opening times before you travel. Pair the visit with the old St. Martin's church of 1620 on Kirchweg for a comparison of four centuries of church building in one village.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same church as St. Martin's?

No. St. Martin's (1620) belongs to the Christian Catholic congregation. The Roman Catholic Marienkirche is a separate, much newer building from 1967–1969.

Who designed it?

Leo Cron of Basel designed the building; Albert Schilling created the liturgical furnishings.

When was it consecrated?

On 2 February 1969, by Bishop Anton Hänggi.

Is it worth visiting for the architecture?

Yes, if you like modernist sacred buildings. The tent form, detached tower and original concrete are what earned it a place in the cantonal inventory.