St. Anna catholic church

St. Anna Catholic Church (Kirche St. Anna) in Aeschi, canton of Solothurn, is a 17th-century Baroque parish church listed as a protected monument by the canton. It stands in a village in north-western Switzerland, close to Lake Burgäschisee, and makes an easy stop on a quiet countryside walk.

What will you see at St. Anna in Aeschi?

The church was built in 1679 as a single-nave hall with a narrower polygonal chancel and a small roof turret. The Solothurn authorities contributed to its furnishing, donating a coat-of-arms stone for the chancel vault and a stained-glass panel. The most noticeable feature, though, is newer: the Neo-Baroque bell tower was added in 1918, and the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland dates the enlargement to 1918-1919.

Inside, the High Baroque altars are the highlight. They were restored in the interior renovation of 2004-2005, after the exterior work was completed in 2003. The interior project cost about CHF 1.04 million, with the canton contributing up to CHF 154,000 from its lottery fund.

What is the history of the parish?

Before the Reformation, Aeschi belonged to Herzogenbuchsee in church terms, then to Hüniken (until 1577) and later to the parish of Kriegstetten. Aeschi became its own parish in the late 17th century. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland gives 1683, while heritage documentation points to 1684, when the new church separated from Kriegstetten. The parish today also covers Bolken, Etziken, Hüniken, Steinhof, Winistorf and the hamlet of Burgäschi.

How do you get there, and when should you visit?

Aeschi lies in canton Solothurn between Solothurn and Herzogenbuchsee, so the easiest way in is by car or local transport from either town. The building is a working parish church, so plan your visit outside service times and keep noise down. Interior access depends on whether the parish has the doors open on the day. Pair the visit with a walk to Burgäschisee, which lies within the parish boundaries.

Frequently asked questions

When was St. Anna in Aeschi built? The nave dates from 1679, and the tower was added in 1918.

Is this the same Aeschi as Aeschi bei Spiez? No. This is Aeschi in canton Solothurn (SO), not the village in canton Bern on Lake Thun.

What is the main attraction inside? The High Baroque altars, restored in 2004-2005.

Is the church protected? Yes, it is on the canton of Solothurn's list of protected buildings.