St. George roman catholic parish church

St. George's Parish Church (Pfarrkirche St. Georg) in Bünzen is a Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church in the district of Muri, in the Freiamt region of the Swiss canton of Aargau. Built between 1860 and 1862, it is regarded as the oldest Neo-Gothic church in the whole Freiamt. Its interior restoration won the Swiss Heritage Prize (Schweizer Denkmalpreis) in 2015.

What will you see?

The church is a spacious hall church with a slim tower on the front, projecting slightly from the facade. It was designed by Caspar Joseph Jeuch (1811–1895), an architect from Baden. Planning started in December 1850. Because the parish had money problems, the drawings had to be revised several times, and in the end a third plan was built.

The highlight inside is the trompe-l'œil painting. The 1931 decoration was largely lost over the decades, but it was reconstructed during the interior restoration of 2012–2014. That work earned the 2015 prize. The organ dates from 1980.

What is the parish's history?

The church is dedicated to St. George and St. Anna. The parish originally belonged to Muri Abbey. After the abbey was dissolved in 1841, the right of patronage passed to the canton of Aargau. The priest did not live in Bünzen at first; from 1788 he resided in the rectory at neighbouring Boswil. The present rectory, east of the church, dates from 1866.

Is the church protected?

Yes. It has been under cantonal protection since 1963 and under federal protection since 1979. Renovations took place several times: inside in 1931–1933 and 1974–1986, outside in 1956–1959 and 1993–1994.

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

The church stands in the centre of Bünzen (around 47.311 N, 8.326 E). As Bünzen lies in the Freiamt, a visit combines easily with a tour of nearby places such as Muri with its former abbey, and Boswil. Access to the interior depends on the church's opening hours, so daytime is the safest choice. Please stay quiet during services.

Frequently asked questions

When was St. George's Church in Bünzen built? Between 1860 and 1862, in the Neo-Gothic style, to plans by Caspar Joseph Jeuch.

Why did the interior win an award? The 2012–2014 restoration recreated the trompe-l'œil painting of 1931 that had been largely lost, and the work received the Swiss Heritage Prize in 2015.

Is the church a listed monument? Yes. It has been protected at cantonal level since 1963 and at federal level since 1979.

Who are the patron saints? St. George and St. Anna.