Saint-Martin reformed church

Saint-Martin Reformed Church (Temple de Lutry) is the main historic church of Lutry, a lakeside town in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It stands in the old centre a few minutes from the harbour, at the edge of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Locals simply call it "Le Temple".

What is the history of the church?

The building goes back to the Middle Ages. It was the church of a Benedictine priory that depended on the abbey of Savigny near Lyon, and it was dedicated to Saint Martin. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (HLS), an 11th-century building was partly rebuilt around 1250-1260. After a fire in 1344, the church was rebuilt in the Gothic style.

In 1536 Protestant Bern conquered Vaud and Lutry turned to the Reformation. The priory church became a Reformed place of worship and the monastic community lost its role. The bell tower dates from 1542-1543, in the early years of Bernese rule. Around 1570 the west facade received its Renaissance form, and between 1569 and 1591 the building was enlarged and renovated. The last major restoration ran from 1889 to 1907.

What can you see there?

Start outside. The Renaissance west front and the 16th-century tower show how a Gothic priory church was adapted for a Reformed congregation. Inside, the layout is plain, as in most Protestant churches, with no elaborate altars.

The surroundings are worth as much attention as the church. Lutry keeps a compact old town of narrow lanes and winegrowers' houses, and the church is a natural landmark for a stroll. From the higher streets, among the vineyard terraces, you can see the lake and the mountains on the French side.

How do you get to Lutry?

Lutry lies just east of Lausanne. Regional trains from Lausanne take a few minutes, and local buses or a drive along the lake road also work. The church is in the town centre, so it is a short walk from the station or the lakefront. Parking in the centre is limited, so it is easier to leave a car on the outskirts.

When is the best time to visit?

The building works first of all as a parish church, so access to the interior depends on services and local events. You can view the exterior at any time. Spring and early autumn are the best seasons. Winter days are short, while during the autumn grape harvest the Lavaux slopes look their best and a walk from the church up to the terraces is easy to combine with a tasting at a local winery.

What else is nearby?

• The harbour and lakeside promenade, a short walk from the church.
• The Lavaux vineyards and walking paths towards Cully and Villette.
• Lausanne, with its cathedral and the Olympic Museum, reachable by train.

Frequently asked questions

Is Saint-Martin in Lutry a Catholic church? No. Since 1536, when Bern took over Vaud, it has been a Reformed church, which is why it is called a "temple".

How old is the building? The oldest parts date to the Middle Ages (11th century according to the HLS). The present form results from rebuilding in the 13th, 14th and 16th centuries and a restoration around 1900.

Is there an entrance fee? It is a working parish church. Check opening times for the interior with the parish or the Lutry tourist office before your visit.

Can I combine the visit with the Lavaux vineyards? Yes. Lutry is one of the gateways to Lavaux, and walking paths start right beyond the old town.