Veltheim church

Veltheim Church (the Reformed parish church of Veltheim, historically dedicated to St. Anne) stands in the Veltheim district of Winterthur, canton of Zurich. Churches have occupied this spot for roughly a thousand years, and the building you see today reflects the late medieval rebuilding.

What is the history of the church?

Excavations in 1977–1978 uncovered the earlier phases. The oldest was a rectangular hall church from about 900–1000. A Romanesque church of the 12th century followed, and around 1300 an early Gothic chancel was added.

The 15th century brought major change. Early in the century the chancel was raised into a choir tower, and by mid-century the church had grown into a pilgrimage destination. A polygonal Gothic chancel was built in 1482, and a new tower with a gabled roof in 1498. Around 1500 the interior received frescoes by Hans Haggenberg.

Who controlled the parish?

In 1230 Count Hartmann IV of Kyburg took over the patronage together with the village. It later passed to the Habsburgs (1264) and to Töss monastery (1358). In 1525 the right went to the council of Zurich, shortly before the area turned to the Reformation. The village itself merged into Winterthur in 1922 and is now the city's fifth district.

What can you see today?

The main draw is the architecture itself: the late 15th-century tower, the Gothic chancel and the layered building history. Do not expect historic stained glass. Two panels from about 1482 and seven from the 17th century were sold to the Swiss National Museum in 1900 to pay for the 1899 renovation. For a detailed study, see Felicia Schmaedecke's volume in the series "Zürcher Archäologie" (issue 10, 2003).

How do you get there?

The church lies at roughly 47.5098 N, 8.7168 E, in the north-eastern part of Winterthur. The easiest way is public transport from the city centre to the Veltheim district, then a short walk. Check current timetables with the operator.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same church as the one in Veltheim, canton Aargau? No. This church is in a district of Winterthur in the canton of Zurich. Veltheim AG is a separate municipality.

How old is the church? Most of what survives comes from 15th-century rebuilding: the Gothic chancel of 1482 and the tower of 1498. The first church on the site dates to about 900–1000.

Can I see the old stained glass? Not in the church. The panels were sold to the Swiss National Museum in 1900.

Is it an active parish church? It is a Reformed church serving the Veltheim congregation. Check opening hours with the parish before visiting.