St Nicholas Church

St Nicholas Church (Stadtkirche St. Nikolaus) in Frauenfeld is the Catholic town church of the capital of the canton of Thurgau in north-eastern Switzerland. Built between 1904 and 1906 in the neo-Baroque style, it ranks among the most notable religious buildings in town.

Where is St Nicholas Church in Frauenfeld?

The church stands at Zürcherstrasse 181, on the edge of the old town and within the old-town zone. You can walk to the centre in a few minutes, and Frauenfeld has its own railway station. The Swiss ISOS inventory of townscapes lists the building as an individual element of the streetscape.

What is there to see?

The exterior is neo-Baroque, with a tower that marks the church clearly from the street. Inside, neo-Baroque blends with Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) touches, and wall paintings decorate the interior. The church houses an organ by Metzler, a well-known Swiss organ builder. The Thurgau cantonal heritage database rates the building "besonders wertvoll" (particularly valuable) and records its protection status as legally binding.

Is this the same as the Protestant town church?

No. Frauenfeld has two main town churches. St Nicholas is Catholic. The Reformed town church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity (Stadtkirche Dreifaltigkeit) and stands at Freie Strasse 12. Both are called "Stadtkirche" locally, so check the dedication before setting your navigation.

A short history

The present building went up in the early 20th century as the new church of the town's Catholic parish. It was renovated in 1964, and the Thurgau State Archive holds an expert report on that work by the art historian Albert Knoepfli, along with files on later alterations.

When should you visit?

This is a working church, so visit outside service times and keep noise down. Regio Frauenfeld runs guided tours from time to time that cover the Art Nouveau and neo-Baroque interior, the organ and the wall paintings; check the tourist office for current dates. The visit pairs easily with a walk through the old town and a trip to Frauenfeld Castle.

Frequently asked questions

Is St Nicholas Church in Frauenfeld Catholic or Protestant?

It is Catholic. The Protestant town church is a separate building dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

When was the current church built?

Between 1904 and 1906, in neo-Baroque style with Art Nouveau influences inside.

What is the highlight inside?

The mix of neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau design, the wall paintings and the Metzler organ.

Where exactly is it?

At Zürcherstrasse 181 in Frauenfeld, Thurgau, on the edge of the old town.