St. Martin Catholic Church

St. Martin Catholic Church in Busskirch (Rapperswil-Jona) is among the oldest churches around Lake Zurich. It sits in the former village of Busskirch, now a district of Rapperswil-Jona in the canton of St. Gallen, on the northern shore of the Obersee between Jona and Bollingen.

What makes this church special?

The village is first recorded in 842/843 as a place with a church, so the parish is more than a thousand years old. The early medieval church and its graveyard stand on the remains of a Roman building dating from the 1st to the 4th century. Excavations in 1975 uncovered the Roman walls, and visitors can see them beneath the church.

How did its role change over the centuries?

From the 8th century, Pfäfers Abbey held the patronage rights, tithes and large landholdings in the village. In 1351 the church was incorporated into the monastery, which kept it until 1838. Busskirch was once a large parish, but when Rapperswil and Jona received their own parish churches in the 13th century, St. Martin lost much of its former standing. In 1945 it was merged into the Roman Catholic parish of Rapperswil, and it remains a Catholic place of worship today.

What else is there to see nearby?

The church stands right by the water, which makes it a favourite wedding venue and a pleasant stop on a lakeside walk. The Seegartenkeller restaurant is next door. You can combine the visit with a trip to Rapperswil, known for its castle and lake promenade.

How do you get there?

A local bus line run by Verkehrsbetriebe Zürcher Oberland links Busskirch with Rapperswil and with Jona. You can also walk or cycle along the northern lake shore. Rapperswil-Jona has a rail connection to Zurich, so the journey from the city is short.

When is the best time to visit?

Choose the warmer months, when a stroll along the lake is most enjoyable. The church is an active place of worship and a popular wedding location, so plan your visit outside service times and ceremonies.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as the church in the Jona town centre?

No. This church is in Busskirch, within the municipality of Rapperswil-Jona. Jona itself has had its own parish church since the 13th century.

How old is the church?

The village and its church are mentioned in 842/843. The building ranks among the oldest churches in the Lake Zurich region and stands on Roman foundations from the 1st to 4th century.

Can I see the Roman remains?

Yes. The ruins excavated in 1975 lie below the church and can be viewed.

Is there somewhere to eat nearby?

Yes, the Seegartenkeller restaurant is right next to the church.