St. Christophoruskirche

St. Christophoruskirche in Basel is a Roman Catholic church and parish centre in the Kleinhüningen district, in the north of the city. Completed in 2020, it looks more like a contemporary apartment block than a traditional church, which is exactly why architecture fans seek it out.

Where is it and what is it?

The complex stands at Kleinhüningeranlage 25-31 (postcode 4057). The client was the Römisch-Katholische Kirche Basel-Stadt and the designers were Lorenz Architekten of Basel. Rather than a stand-alone church, it is a mixed-use building: a chapel, a hall, a foyer, rooms for associations, offices and community spaces share the structure with two kindergartens, 23 flats for seniors and 13 ordinary rental apartments.

What will you see?

The facade is clad in rust-brown clinker brick in a slim format (240 x 115 x 52 mm), laid in stretcher bond. The building rises six storeys, and the bell tower climbs one level higher still.

The chapel is the heart of the design. It is an oval, two-storey prayer room with curved exposed-concrete walls and timber furnishings. A ribbon window at first-floor level spreads even daylight through the space. Movable walls link the chapel with the hall and foyer, so the room can expand for larger gatherings.

What happened to the old church?

The first St. Christophorus church dated from 1936. It needed renovation, and studies showed that a new building would use the plot better. The old church was demolished in 2018 and the present centre took its place. The same year saw the founding of the Stiftung St. Christophorus Basel / Kleinhüningen, a foundation that supports community life tied to the former parish.

How to visit

The building serves parish and residential purposes, so chapel access depends on the community's schedule. The easiest way to enjoy it is from the street, studying the brickwork and the tower. To go inside, check service times or contact the parish first. Kleinhüningen lies away from the old town, so pair the visit with a walk through northern Basel.

Frequently asked questions

Is St. Christophoruskirche a historic church? No. The current building dates from 2020. Its 1936 predecessor was demolished in 2018.

Who designed it? Lorenz Architekten, a Basel practice.

Is it only a place of worship? No. Besides the chapel it houses two kindergartens, 23 senior flats and 13 rental flats.

What is the facade made of? Rust-brown clinker brick in a thin format, laid in stretcher bond.

Can tourists always enter the chapel? Not guaranteed. Check service times or ask the parish before you go.