Sankt-Martin

St. Martin's Church (Sankt Martin) in Laupersdorf is the Roman Catholic parish church of Laupersdorf, a village in the canton of Solothurn in north-western Switzerland. It is a protected cantonal heritage building with roots reaching back to the early Middle Ages.

What is the history behind the church?

People settled here in the early medieval period. The first church, dedicated to Saint Martin, most likely stood on the Chilchenfeld field north of the village, where a stone cross now marks the spot. Excavations in 1967 uncovered burials from the 7th century. Over the centuries the building grew: a new choir in 1504, a larger nave between 1659 and 1662, and a taller tower in 1668.

Where does the present building come from?

The old church was pulled down after architect Alfred Zschokke designed and built a new one in 1859–1860, roughly 300 metres to the south. Another major overhaul followed in 1952–53 under Solothurn architect Otto Sperisen, who cleared out the older furnishings, added timber ceilings and built a porch on the west side. Ticino painter Ottorino Olgiati created the Stations of the Cross as frescoes during the same project.

What can you see inside?

The interior pairs a 19th-century structure with mid-20th-century changes. The Olgiati fresco cycle is the highlight. During the 1996 interior renovation, parts of the original plaster ceilings were exposed and restored. In 2015 the cantonal government granted funding towards a further interior renovation.

How do you plan a visit?

The church stands in the centre of Laupersdorf, in the Thal valley in the Jura. You can arrive by car or by regional transport from Balsthal. The Chilchenfeld field with the stone cross, site of the first church, makes a short add-on to a village walk. Check opening times with the parish, as the interior is not always open outside services.

Frequently asked questions

When was the current St. Martin's Church built? In 1859–1860, to plans by Alfred Zschokke. The interior was extensively remodelled in 1952–53.

Is it the oldest place of worship in the village? No. The first Saint Martin church stood about 300 metres to the north, and graves found there date from the 7th century.

Who painted the Stations of the Cross? Ottorino Olgiati, a painter from Ticino, during the 1952–53 remodelling.

Is the church a listed monument? Yes, it is protected as a heritage building by the canton of Solothurn.