St. Jakob church

St. Jakob Church in Zürich is a Reformed Protestant church in the Aussersihl district (Kreis 4), right beside the Stauffacher tram hub. Its tall quarry-stone mass overlooks the junction of Badenerstrasse and Stauffacherstrasse, and at Stauffacherstrasse 34 it now also houses the city-centre "Citykirche Offener St. Jakob".

What is St. Jakob am Stauffacher?

It is a Reformed parish church built at the turn of the 20th century, when Aussersihl was growing fast. The present building went up between 1899 and 1901 following an international architecture competition and was inaugurated in 1901. Its style draws on the German Renaissance: rough-cut stone walls, high gables and a slender tower that is easy to spot from the surrounding streets.

What is the history of the site?

The location is far older than the building. An infirmary for the sick stood here outside the city walls, with a chapel, as early as the 11th century, and the church is first documented in 1221. In 1443 the nearby Battle of St. Jakob an der Sihl took place, an episode of the Old Zürich War. In 1677 the infirmary became a home for the elderly (Pfrundhaus), which closed in 1842. The medieval chapel was later replaced by the late-19th-century church seen today.

What will you see there?

The architecture is the main draw from outside: the stone bulk, the gables and the tower against a busy city square. Walk around the building and look inside if the doors are open. As a Citykirche, it hosts gatherings, cultural events and spiritual programmes, so opening times depend on what is on. Check the parish website before you go.

How do you get to St. Jakob Church?

Access is easy. The Stauffacher stop sits directly next to the church and is one of the key nodes of Zürich's tram network. The centre and the main station are a few minutes away by tram. The stop takes its name from Stauffacherstrasse, named in 1893 after Werner Stauffacher. The church combines well with a walk through Kreis 4 and Langstrasse, both within walking distance.

When should you visit?

The exterior can be seen year-round, since the building itself is the highlight. Clear afternoons give the best light on the stone facade. If you want to see what happens inside, pick a date from the Citykirche calendar.

FAQ

Is this the same as St. Jakob in Basel?

No. This St. Jakob stands in Aussersihl at Stauffacher in Zürich. The name is common in Switzerland, and the Basel St. Jakob is a completely different place.

When was the current church built?

Between 1899 and 1901, after an international competition. A medieval chapel connected to an infirmary stood on the site before.

What denomination is it?

Evangelical Reformed, today also run as an open city church (Citykirche Offener St. Jakob).

How do I get there from the main station?

The quickest way is a tram to the Stauffacher stop, right beside the church.