Sacred Monuments in Switzerland

St. Anna catholic church

Aeschi (SO)

St. Anna Catholic Church (Kirche St. Anna) in Aeschi, canton of Solothurn, is a 17th-century Baroque parish church listed as a protected monument by the canton. It stands in a village in north-western Switzerland, close to Lake Burgäschisee, and makes an easy stop on a quiet countryside walk. What will you see at St. Anna in Aeschi? The church was built in 1679 as a single-nave hall with a narrower polygonal chancel and a small roof turret. The Solothurn authorities contributed to its furnishing, donating a coat-of-arms stone for the chancel vault and a stained-glass panel. The most noticeable feature, though, is newer: the Neo-Baroque bell tower was added in 1918, and the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland dates the enlargement to 1918-1919. Inside, the High Baroque altars are the highlight. They were restored in the interior renovation of 2004-2005, after the exterior work was completed in 2003. The interior project cost about CHF 1.04 million, with the canton contributing up to CHF 154,000 from its lottery fund. What is the history of the parish? Before the Reformation, Aeschi belonged to Herzogenbuchsee in church terms, then to Hüniken (until 1577) and later to the parish of Kriegstetten. Aeschi became its own parish in the late 17th century. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland gives 1683, while heritage documentation points to 1684, when the new church separated from Kriegstetten. The parish today also covers Bolken, Etziken, Hüniken, Steinhof, Winistorf and the hamlet of Burgäschi. How do you get there, and when should you visit? Aeschi lies in canton Solothurn between Solothurn and Herzogenbuchsee, so the easiest way in is by car or local transport from either town. The building is a working parish church, so plan your visit outside service times and keep noise down. Interior access depends on whether the parish has the doors open on the day. Pair the visit with a walk to Burgäschisee, which lies within the parish boundaries. Frequently asked questions When was St. Anna in Aeschi built? The nave dates from 1679, and the tower was added in 1918. Is this the same Aeschi as Aeschi bei Spiez? No. This is Aeschi in canton Solothurn (SO), not the village in canton Bern on Lake Thun. What is the main attraction inside? The High Baroque altars, restored in 2004-2005. Is the church protected? Yes, it is on the canton of Solothurn's list of protected buildings.

Reformierte Kirche Bremgarten AG

Bremgarten AG

The Reformed Church in Bremgarten AG (Reformierte Kirche) is a neo-Gothic parish church on Zugerstrasse in the Obere Vorstadt quarter, on the road leading toward Zug. It sits on a gently raised, landscaped forecourt a short walk from the historic centre of this Aargau town. Why was a Protestant church built here? Bremgarten is a predominantly Catholic town, and its Protestants had no building of their own for decades. Reformed services began in 1845 in the former arsenal (Zeughaus), and an independent Reformed parish has existed since 1874. In 1898 five architecture firms were invited to compete for the church design, and Julius Kelterborn of Basel took the prize. Construction ran from 1899 to 1900, with consecration on 30 September 1900. Funding came from local donations and a Swiss-wide Reformation collection for Protestant churches in diaspora regions. For years the church served Protestants across the whole Freiamt area. What does the exterior look like? The style is late historicism with an English-influenced Gothic Revival character. The walls are ashlar of shell limestone from Othmarsingen and Mägenwil, framed by sandstone window surrounds. The street front has a portal whose gable overlaps a tall pointed-arch window, and the tympanum carries a relief of a rose bush. Each side wall has three pointed windows. A low, compact tower with an octagonal spire stands against the left side of the nave; its original slate roof gave way to copper in 1935. A bronze bust of the reformer Heinrich Bullinger has stood in front of the tower since 1954, and the original wrought-iron fence still encloses the forecourt. What is inside? A short hall nave sits under an open timber roof in English hammerbeam style. The choir ends in three sides under a fan vault, and a wooden gallery runs along the west end. The pointed windows hold simple stained glass with oak leaves, a rose and vines, made by the Kuhn workshop in Basel. The interior was refurbished around 1965–1970, and a full renovation by Zurich architect Ernst Stahel in 1999–2000 repaired the stonework, added a storage annex, and redesigned the choir, floor and seating. How do you get there and when should you visit? From the centre of Bremgarten, walk toward Zugerstrasse. The town lies in a bend of the Reuss river and has good connections to Zurich and Wohlen. Visit in daylight and combine the church with a stroll through the old town. The interior is mainly open during services and parish events, so check dates with the Reformed parish beforehand. Frequently asked questions When was the Reformed church in Bremgarten AG built? Between 1899 and 1900, and it was consecrated on 30 September 1900. Who designed it? Julius Kelterborn of Basel, winner of the 1898 competition. Is it the same as the Catholic town church of St. Nicholas? No. St. Nicholas is Catholic and stands in the old town. This is the Protestant church in the Obere Vorstadt quarter. Whom does the bust in front of the tower honour? Heinrich Bullinger, the reformer linked to Bremgarten. The bust has stood there since 1954.

roman catholic parish church St. Michael with altar and figure of St. Michael

Ennetbaden

St. Michael's Roman Catholic parish church in Ennetbaden is a 1960s concrete church on a steep slope above the Limmat river in the Swiss canton of Aargau. It ranks among the most striking modern sacred buildings in the region, and beside its altar stands a Baroque figure of the patron saint rescued from an earlier chapel. What is this place? The church sits on Grendelstrasse and forms a complex with the parish rectory. Ennetbaden's Catholics belonged to the parish of neighbouring Baden until they founded their own parish in 1966. Construction is usually dated 1963–1966, although some references give 1961–65. Who designed it, and what does it look like? In 1960 the parish held a design competition for a new church, and Basel architect Hermann Baur won it. The plot is unusually steep, so the buildings step down the hillside from the nave through the sanctuary to the bell tower. Baur described the whole ensemble as a "cité paroissiale", a small parish town. Besides the church, which seats about 500, there is a 120-seat weekday chapel, a parish hall for 150 and the rectory. The walls are raw, board-marked concrete (béton brut). The Aargau heritage office notes that Baur borrowed from Le Corbusier's chapel at Ronchamp, above all the exposed concrete and the way visitors are guided through the space. The canton counts the church among the outstanding religious buildings of 1960s Aargau. What can you see near the altar? Parts of the altar and the figure of St. Michael were carried over from the previous, smaller chapel. The statue is carved from shell sandstone and dates to 1668–69. Since 1966 this part of the furnishings has been protected. A seventeenth-century figure against bare concrete is the most memorable contrast inside. How should you plan a visit? This is a working parish church, so visit outside services and keep quiet. Check opening hours on the parish website. Ennetbaden lies directly across the Limmat from Baden, which makes it easy to combine with a walk through the spa district known for its thermal springs. Expect an uphill climb on the slope. Frequently asked questions Who designed St. Michael's in Ennetbaden? Hermann Baur of Basel, winner of the 1960 competition. When was it built? Most often 1963–1966, the dating used by the Aargau heritage inventory. Is the St. Michael figure from the 1960s? No. The sandstone sculpture was made in 1668–69 and comes from the earlier chapel, moved along with part of the altar. Is the church a protected monument? Yes. It is listed in the Aargau heritage inventory, and the furnishings from the old chapel have been protected since 1966.

St. Martin Catholic Church

Rapperswil-Jona

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.

Andreaskirche

Zürich

Andreaskirche in Zurich is a Reformed church from the mid-1960s on Brahmsstrasse in the Wiedikon district (Kreis 3). It forms part of a parish complex and shows how austere, cube-based modernist design looked in postwar Swiss church building. Where is the Andreaskirche, and who built it? The church stands at Brahmsstrasse 106 in western Zurich, in the part of Wiedikon also called Heiligfeld. The Evangelical Reformed parish of Zurich commissioned it. The wider site covers several addresses on the same street, numbers 96 to 106. A University of Bern inventory of sacred buildings gives 1965 to 1966 as the construction period and names Jakob Padrutt as architect. The city's heritage documentation instead speaks of the mid-1960s and credits the firm Plan-E AG. What will you see? The form is the main attraction. The church and the parish hall are two parallel cubes joined by a lower foyer with recessed facades. The plan is strictly rectangular and the volumes carry almost no decoration. That radical reduction is why the city lists the complex in its heritage inventory. A freestanding bell tower marks the way in. The buildings gather around a courtyard with an arcaded walkway linking the different parts of the site. To the east and north-east stand older pitched-roof buildings: the vicarage, the parish house and an attached sexton's house. Together with the flat-roofed church buildings they form a right-angled group around the courtyard. Inside, the church has a coffered ceiling. Archive photographs also show a freestanding exterior element known as the monolith, and the floor plan centres the space on the middle of the nave. Is it a working church? Yes. It is an active parish site, not a museum, so access to the interior depends on services and parish events. The complex is best appreciated from outside, where the courtyard, arcade and bell tower are easy to see from the street and from within the grounds. Recent additions In 2024 a photovoltaic system went onto the roofs. The panels sit on a mounting system that leaves the roof structure untouched. Dark modules cover the flat roofs of the parish hall and the vestibule, set back from the edges, so they are barely visible. They occupy about 320 m², have a capacity of roughly 73 kWp and produce about 66,200 kWh a year on average. Frequently asked questions Who designed the Andreaskirche? The Bern inventory names Jakob Padrutt, while the city's heritage page credits the firm Plan-E AG. When was it built? In the mid-1960s; sources give a range of 1963 to 1966. Which denomination does it belong to? It is an Evangelical Reformed church. Is it worth visiting for the architecture alone? Yes, if you are interested in Zurich modernism. The compact arrangement of cubes, the arcaded courtyard and the freestanding bell tower make a coherent, minimalist ensemble.

Pfarrkirche St. Anna

Schindellegi

St. Anna parish church in Schindellegi is a Catholic church in one of the two villages of Feusisberg municipality, canton Schwyz, in the Höfe district. The village sits on a terrace above Lake Zurich at roughly 600–800 m above sea level. The building is a neo-Baroque church from the early 1900s. What is the history of St. Anna church? A chapel dedicated to St. Anne was consecrated in 1599. The present neo-Baroque church was built in 1907–08. For centuries Schindellegi belonged to the parish of Freienbach and, from 1492, to Feusisberg. It became a parish in its own right only in 1964. The church lies in the Diocese of Chur, Ausserschwyz deanery. What will you see? The church is a Swiss example of early twentieth-century neo-Baroque design, set within a village that still has a rural feel. An art guide by Leo Ehrler (Schnell & Steiner, 2010) is devoted to it, a sign of its standing among the region's sacred buildings. Visit outside service times and check that the doors are open that day. How do you get to Schindellegi? The church stands at about 47.174 N, 8.713 E. The Wädenswil–Einsiedeln railway has served Schindellegi since 1877, with a station in the village, and the A3 motorway has passed nearby since 1968. From Zurich it is a short trip by train or by car along the lake's southern shore. What else is nearby? Feusisberg consists of Schindellegi and Feusisberg village. In 2000, more than two thirds of the municipality's 3,779 residents lived in Schindellegi. The area traditionally lived off cattle farming and dairying, and the lakeside terrace suits easy walks. Feusisberg village has its own baroque parish church, consecrated in 1785, with the abbot of Einsiedeln as patron. Do not confuse it with St. Anna in Schindellegi. When should you visit? Late spring to autumn gives the best lake views for walks around the village. Visit the church on a weekday, or on Sunday morning with respect for the Mass. Frequently asked questions When was St. Anna church in Schindellegi built? The current neo-Baroque building dates from 1907–08. An earlier St. Anne chapel was consecrated in 1599. Does Schindellegi have its own parish? Yes, since 1964. Before that it belonged to Freienbach and, from 1492, to Feusisberg. Can I reach it by train? Yes. Schindellegi has a station on the Wädenswil–Einsiedeln line, open since 1877. Which diocese is it in? The Diocese of Chur, Ausserschwyz deanery.

St. Martin Zürich

Zürich

St. Martin Zürich is the church of St. Martin on the Zürichberg, in the Fluntern district above central Zurich. The site carries two layers of history: a medieval house of Augustinian canons and a small Catholic parish that still exists today. How did St. Martin on the Zürichberg begin? According to the Historical Lexicon of Switzerland (HLS), reform-minded members of the Grossmünster chapter founded the community around 1127, during the canonical reform in the Diocese of Constance. A Zurich citizen, Rudolf von Fluntern, paid for the initial endowment. In 1154 the pope confirmed the Augustinian rule, and the first provost appears in the records the same year. A document from 1271 points to a double monastery, with both men and women, at that time. What happened to the monastery? In 1471 Zurich, citing mismanagement and a lapse in observance, placed St. Martin under the Windesheim reform congregation from the Netherlands. Canons from St. Leonhard in Basel carried it out. A new library went up, altars were consecrated and artworks commissioned. The Reformation ended the monastery in 1525. Part of the buildings came down in 1533, and the last remnants were cleared in 1847. What did the old church look like? The Romanesque church dated from the first half of the 12th century: a three-aisled pillar basilica with a long choir and side chapels. Archaeologists examined it in 1893 and 1973. What is St. Martin today? The name now belongs to the Catholic parish of St. Martin in Zurich, covering parts of Fluntern and Hottingen. It is the smallest Catholic parish in the city. The HLS dates the parish to 1940. Fabrizio Brentini's 2013 guide, "Die katholische Kirche St. Martin in Zürich-Fluntern", covers the parish church. Who is it for? Visitors interested in Zurich beyond the Old Town, sacred architecture and the city's Reformation history. Zürichberg and Fluntern are quiet, green hillside districts above the lake, a good walk after sightseeing downtown. Frequently asked questions Does the medieval monastery still stand? No. It was dissolved in 1525 and its last remains were removed in 1847. What we know about the Romanesque basilica comes from archaeological work in 1893 and 1973. Who founded St. Martin on the Zürichberg? Reform-minded members of the Grossmünster chapter, around 1127. Rudolf von Fluntern financed the initial endowment. Which district is it in? Fluntern, on the Zürichberg. The parish also covers part of Hottingen. Is it the same as St. Martin in Munich? No. Munich's St. Martin stands in the Moosach district and has no connection to the Zurich one.

Reformierte Kirche Fluntern

Zürich

Reformed Church Fluntern (Neue Kirche Fluntern) in Zürich is a Protestant church completed in 1920 on a terrace of the Zürichberg hillside. Its front tower is the landmark of the Fluntern district, and the neoclassical building is one of the most prominent churches on this side of the city. Which church is this? Fluntern became a parish in its own right in 1893. As the district grew, an architectural competition was held in 1913 and drew 92 entries; the winners were Curjel & Moser. The church was consecrated on 21 March 1920. It is the "new" church of the district and a separate building from the older Alte Kirche Fluntern nearby. Originally it seated 1,237 people. What does the exterior look like? The facade is classical in style, with a tower at the front and a portico carried by Ionic columns. The main entrance is reached by a flight of steps rising from Gloriastrasse, while the church itself faces Gellertstrasse. Six bells from the H. Rüetschi foundry in Aarau were raised into the tower in May 1920. What is inside? The interior is a three-aisled hall with Corinthian columns, tall round-arched windows and a coffered ceiling decorated with rosettes. Galleries run around the pulpit wall. The marble communion table is the work of August Suter, who also designed the stained glass, executed by Otto Berbig. Paintings by Paul Bodmer decorate the vestibule. What about the organ? The original pneumatic organ was built by Carl Theodor Kuhn in 1920. It was rebuilt by Kuhn in 1942, then by Max Maag in 1968 (62 stops), and revised by Norbert Stengele in 1999. Concerts are the best way to hear it; check the parish calendar for dates. Has the church been restored? Yes. The interior was remodelled and restored in 1954, and further renovation followed in three stages in 1998, 2001 and 2005. How do I get there and when should I go? Fluntern lies on the eastern slope of the Zürichberg, close to the zoo and the university campuses, so the church fits neatly into a walk through the area. A public transport stop in the district is named Kirche Fluntern; check the ZVV timetable for current lines. Visit during the day for the exterior and the view up the stairway, and plan around a service or concert if you want to see the interior, since access depends on the parish schedule. Frequently asked questions Is this the same as Alte Kirche Fluntern? No. This is the Neue Kirche of 1920, a separate building in the same district. Who designed it? Curjel & Moser, who won the 1913 competition out of 92 entries. How many bells does the tower have? Six, cast by H. Rüetschi in Aarau and installed in May 1920. Can I go inside? The interior is open during services, concerts and parish events. Confirm opening times with the parish before your visit.

preachers church

Zürich

Predigerkirche (Preachers' Church) in Zürich is a Reformed church in the Old Town, on Zähringerplatz in the Niederdorf quarter. Its slender spire is a familiar part of the city skyline, and the building traces back to a medieval Dominican friary. Where does the church come from? The Dominicans, known in German as the Prediger or preachers, settled in Zürich in the first half of the 13th century. The foundation is usually dated to 1231, and the friary first appears in written records in 1234. The original church was a Romanesque basilica with a distinct crossing and two apses. The friars laid out the whole complex in the Niederdorf and used the church for preaching and pastoral work. The friary was dissolved in 1524 during the Reformation, and the church turned Protestant. Today it belongs to the Reformed Church of the Canton of Zürich. What will you see? Gothic choir. After a fire in the 14th century, the old choir was replaced in two building phases. Tree-ring dating points to timber felled in 1317 and 1323. The roof frame is considered the oldest known roof structure in Zürich. The choir, called the Predigerchor, has been converted and now serves the neighbouring Central Library (Zentralbibliothek Zürich). The tower. The medieval bell tower ranked among the tallest Gothic structures in the city. The present spire dates from 1900, designed by architect Friedrich Wehrli in Neo-Gothic style, and rises roughly 96 to 97 metres. The interior. In the mid-17th century the roof trusses began to tilt, and the building needed urgent stabilising. The early Baroque conversion left the nave with the stucco decoration still visible today. How do you get there? The church stands in the city centre, a few minutes on foot from Zürich Hauptbahnhof and the university. The easiest approach is a walk through the Niederdorf, or a tram to Central or Kunsthaus. Zähringerplatz sits next to the library, so a visit combines well with an Old Town stroll. When should you visit? Access to the interior depends on opening hours and parish events, so check the current schedule before you go. The church regularly hosts organ and choir concerts. The exterior can be admired at any hour, and the tower catches the best light in the morning and late afternoon. Frequently asked questions Is the Predigerkirche a Catholic church? No. It began as a Dominican church, but since the Reformation it has been a Protestant, Reformed church. How old is the tower? The current tower was built in 1900 in Neo-Gothic style. Its medieval predecessor was one of the tallest Gothic buildings in the city. What occupies the former choir? The Gothic Predigerchor has been converted and forms part of the Zentralbibliothek Zürich. Is entry free? Admission to the church is usually free, but confirm opening hours before your visit.

Reformierte Kirche (1745)

Wichtrach

The Reformed Church in Wichtrach (Reformierte Kirche, building dated 1745) sits in Wichtrach, canton of Bern, Switzerland, in the Aare valley between the cities of Bern and Thun. It is the former parish church of Oberwichtrach, one of two villages that merged into the single municipality of Wichtrach in 2004. What is there to see at the church? The current building went up in 1745, yet the site is far older. A church in Oberwichtrach is first recorded in 1180 and was dedicated to Saint Maurice. For centuries it anchored the local parish, later the church district of Wichtrach. Today it is Protestant: Bern adopted the Reformation in 1527 and took control of the area. The surroundings add a surprise for history fans. A large Roman villa with a burial ground was found close to the church. Its main house stood east of the church on the Lerchenberg slope, and the complex was roughly 100 metres wide. Excavators uncovered traces of wall paintings, and the villa was in use from the 1st to the 3rd century AD. Digging began in 1830 and continued in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. In 1994, finds below the church may point to an ancient sanctuary. Nothing is visible above ground, so the villa is something to picture rather than visit. How do you get to Wichtrach? The village lies on the Bern–Thun road and beside the motorway. The railway station on the Bern–Thun line has been open since 1859, which makes arriving by train from either city simple. The church stands in Oberwichtrach on the right bank of the Aare valley, at about 46.846 N, 7.579 E, and you can walk there from the station. Is Wichtrach worth a stop? Wichtrach is a quiet place of about 2,400 residents (the year-2000 figure for Oberwichtrach). The church works as a short stop on a trip between Bern and Thun or during a walk along the Aare. The river shaped the area: dikes were built against floods from the 16th century, and after the river correction of 1825–1827 the floodplain was divided up and farmed. The bridge over the Aare at Thalgut dates from 1833. Do not plan a full day here. Half an hour is enough to look at the building from outside and take in the setting. Check opening times for the interior with the parish, since Swiss Reformed churches are often open only during services and events. Frequently asked questions When was the church built? The present building dates from 1745. An earlier church stood here by 1180. Who was the church dedicated to? Before the Reformation it was dedicated to Saint Maurice. Can you see the Roman villa? No, the remains are not visible above ground. The finds come from excavations that started in 1830. How do you get there without a car? Take a train on the Bern–Thun line to Wichtrach station, then walk to the church.

Reformierte Kreuzkirche

Zürich

The Reformed Church of the Holy Cross (Kreuzkirche) in Zürich stands in the Hottingen quarter, part of the city's District 7. Built in the early 1900s, it is a Protestant parish church crowned with a dome and one of the best-known landmarks of this residential area. What makes the Kreuzkirche stand out? Construction ran from 1902 to 1905. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland calls it a grand domed building, planned as a counterpart to the Enge church on the other side of town. The design follows a central plan, and a columned portico marks the entrance. The name, meaning "Church of the Cross", refers to the cross-shaped layout. The main hall is large, with a reported capacity of around 1,400 people. Reliefs by the sculptor August Bösch decorate the walls. The Reformed parish of Hottingen uses the building, so it works as a living church with regular services rather than a museum. What is the history of the site? The present church replaced a chapel dating from 1612, which had served as a burial place and for occasional services. The new building came with the growth of Hottingen, which Zürich absorbed in 1893. New housing was spreading across the slopes, and the congregation needed a far larger church. Where is it and how do you get there? The church lies in Hottingen on the lower slopes of the Adlisberg, at roughly 47.370 N, 8.562 E. It is close to the Villa Tobler park and the Theater an der Winkelwiese. From the main station, public transport covers the distance in around a quarter of an hour, and walking from the city centre takes about half an hour. What else is nearby? Hottingen is a calm, green district of villas. A visit to the Kreuzkirche combines well with a stroll through the Villa Tobler park or a walk up the Adlisberg, which gives views over the city and the lake. The dome is best seen from outside, and daylight shows off the facade. Frequently asked questions Is this the same as the Heilig Kreuz church on Saumackerstrasse? No. That church is Catholic, built in 1978-1979 in another part of the city. The Kreuzkirche in Hottingen is Reformed and dates from 1902-1905. When was the church built? Between 1902 and 1905, on the site of a 1612 chapel. Can visitors go inside? It is an active parish church. Opening hours and service times are listed on the website of the Reformed church in Zürich, so check before you go. What else is there to see nearby? Villa Tobler and its park, the Theater an der Winkelwiese, and trails up the Adlisberg.

Pfarrkirche St. Georg und Zeno

Arth

The Parish Church of St. George and Zeno in Arth is an early Baroque church in the municipality of Arth, canton of Schwyz, on the shore of Lake Zug between the Rigi and Rossberg massifs. Begun in 1695, it ranks among the village's main religious landmarks and honours two patron saints, George and Zeno. What is the history of the church? Arth's first "new" parish church went up in 1312 beside the chapel of St. George. The patronage rights stayed with the Hünenberg family for generations until the people of Schwyz acquired them in 1448. The present building was started in 1695 under master builder Jeremias Schmid; records also name Caspar Moosbrugger, a well-known architect from the Vorarlberg building tradition. It was consecrated in 1697. The interior was restored between 1979 and 1982, and the exterior in 1992. What can you see outside? The west tower is the most recognisable feature. Its lower stages date to the 15th century, while the lantern dome was added in 1705. An open, stuccoed vestibule links the tower to the nave, so visitors enter through a half-open porch. What is inside? The high altar, with a central painting dated 1697. Pulpit and altars in dark polished marble, from around 1700. Painted wooden statues of the patron saints, George and Zeno. Double-sided altars with paintings by Steiner, among them the Holy Family with Joachim and the Adoration of the Magi, partly by Melchior Paul von Deschwanden. A presbytery furnished in 1726, with carved choir stalls from about 1700. Confessionals from 1764. Together they make the church a good example of Schwyz Baroque, where a restrained exterior hides a richly furnished interior. How do you get to Arth? Arth lies on the Gotthard route at the upper end of Lake Zug, and the municipality also includes Oberarth and Goldau. The church stands in Arth itself, so a visit combines easily with a lakeside walk or a trip up the Rigi. When should you visit? This is a working church of the Roman Catholic parish of Arth-Goldau in the Diocese of Chur. Visit outside service times, and check current Mass schedules on the parish website, kath-arth-goldau.ch. Daylight shows the marble and gilding at their best. Frequently asked questions When was the church in Arth built? Construction began in 1695 and the church was consecrated in 1697. Its predecessor dates to 1312 and stood next to St. George's chapel. Who designed it? Jeremias Schmid led the work; records also name Caspar Moosbrugger. What style is it? Early Baroque, typical of the canton of Schwyz. The tower has older 15th-century sections, and its dome was added in 1705. Is it still an active church? Yes. It belongs to the Arth-Goldau parish in the Diocese of Chur, so it is best to hold off sightseeing during services.

Reformierte Kirche Gebenstorf

Gebenstorf

The Reformed Church in Gebenstorf (Reformierte Kirche Gebenstorf) is a Neo-Gothic parish church in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. Its tall, slender spire rises above the moated castle at the top of the village and can be seen from far around. Why does Gebenstorf have two churches? Gebenstorf was one of the few religiously mixed communities in the former County of Baden, where Catholics and Protestants shared a single church after the Reformation. The two confessions split in 1888, and the old shared building was pulled down in 1889. The Reformed congregation then built its own church on Hinterrebenstrasse, designed by architect Paul Reber and completed between 1889 and 1891. The Catholic church of St. Blasius, by Otto Dorer of Baden, went up at about the same time. Together the two buildings define the village skyline. What can you see outside? This is a Neo-Gothic hall church with a three-sided choir. A tall front tower with a steep pointed spire anchors the facade, flanked by two low annexes with transverse gables. Buttresses support the side walls, with pointed-arch windows between them. The church forms a compact group with the 1767 vicarage and the parish hall. What is inside? A single nave leads to a choir of the same width. The pulpit stands on the choir's end wall with choir stalls on either side. Tie-beam trusses divide the ceiling and walls, and painted ornament decorates the ceiling panels, wall joints and window frames. A west gallery rests on two wooden posts, and its balustrade carries carved tracery. The two choir windows still hold their original stained glass. Is the church protected? Yes. It was placed under cantonal protection in 1967 and federal protection in 1972, and it is rated a monument of regional significance (category B). How do you get there, and when should you visit? Gebenstorf lies between Baden and Brugg, close to where the Limmat meets the Aare. Regular trains and buses connect it with both towns, and the church is a short uphill walk from the village centre towards the castle. It is an active church of the Birmenstorf-Gebenstorf-Turgi parish, so you will usually see the interior during services and parish events. The exterior and surroundings are open to view year-round, and afternoon light suits the tower best. Frequently asked questions Who designed the Reformed Church in Gebenstorf? Paul Reber was the architect, and construction ran from 1889 to 1891. What style is the church? It is Neo-Gothic, with pointed-arch windows, buttresses and a tall tower topped by a steep spire. Does the interior keep original features? Yes. The original stained glass in the choir windows survives, along with painted decoration and a gallery with carved tracery. Is the old Gebenstorf church still standing? No. The earlier shared church was demolished in 1889, after the confessions separated in 1888. Two new churches, Reformed and Catholic, replaced it. What else is nearby? Next to the church stands the vicarage from 1767, and the Catholic St. Blasius church from 1887 to 1889 is close by. All of it sits above Gebenstorf's moated castle.

Saint-Martin Reformed Church

Vevey

Saint-Martin Church in Vevey (French: Église Saint-Martin, also called Temple Saint-Martin) is a Reformed parish church standing on a hill above the town of Vevey, in the canton of Vaud. Its tower with corner turrets is one of the most recognisable features of the Vevey skyline above Lake Geneva, and the building is listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural property as a site of national importance. What makes this church special? The church sits outside the walls of the old medieval town, on a terrace that was occupied long before the present building existed. Excavations uncovered early medieval burials beneath it, and a Celtic necropolis has been found nearby. According to the heritage inventory, a first church may date to around the year 1000. A Gothic chancel replaced the Romanesque apse in the late 13th or early 14th century, and the church was rebuilt from 1496. With the Reformation it passed to the Protestants, and it still serves a Reformed congregation. What will you see? Outside, the main feature is the late Gothic porch-tower crowned with turrets at its corners. Inside, the late Gothic interior has columns without capitals and star-shaped keystones in the vaulting. A cemetery surrounds the church, and records from 1871 mention repairs to the main portal and the building of a cemetery gate. The hill has long been a viewpoint: prints from the first half of the 19th century show Vevey seen from Saint-Martin with the lake behind. It is still a good place to look down over the town and see how it spreads between the shore and the vineyard slopes. How did the building change over time? The church went through several restorations. Work around the turn of the 20th century ended, according to the cantonal archives, with a campaign led by the architect Nicati that finished in 1920. Late in the 20th century a full renovation was accompanied by archaeological digs, which shed light on the earliest phases of the site. How do you get there? The church is at Rue des Communaux 10, in the upper part of Vevey above the centre and the lakefront. From the railway station it is a walk of roughly fifteen minutes uphill through the town's streets. It combines well with a stroll through the old town and along the waterfront. When should you visit? Clear afternoons give the best light over the town and lake. Because this is a working parish church, check opening times for the interior with the parish or the Vevey Montreux tourist office before you go. Frequently asked questions Is Saint-Martin in Vevey a Protestant church? Yes. It became a Reformed church after the Reformation and remains the parish church of that community. What period is the building from? The present church is mainly late Gothic, rebuilt from 1496, but the site was in use far earlier. The oldest traces are early medieval graves. Is there a cemetery next to the church? Yes, a cemetery surrounds the church, and 19th-century records mention its gate. Is it a protected monument? Yes. It is listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural property as a site of national importance.

Kirche Josef Horgen

Horgen

Kirche Josef in Horgen is the Catholic parish church of St. Joseph (St. Josef) in the lakeside town of Horgen on Lake Zurich, canton of Zurich. Built in the 1930s, it is the home of the town's Catholic community and a reminder of how Catholics put down roots in a historically Protestant region. What is the history of the church? Horgen's first Catholic church dated from 1872. After about sixty years the parish decided in 1933 to replace it, and the new church was built in 1934. What you see today is therefore an interwar building. The nave and choir are attributed to the Zurich architect Anton Higi. The church was renovated in 1978, and in 2016 the parish planned a further round of work: a redesign of the interior and a full renovation, for which the Catholic canton-level synod granted a contribution of roughly CHF 222,750. What can you see? The church follows a basilica layout with a separate choir, typical of Swiss church architecture in the first half of the twentieth century: a compact volume with restrained decoration. The most unusual feature is the small Museum im Kirchturm, a museum inside the bell tower. It displays objects from both churches, the old one (1872 to 1933) and the new one (built 1934, renovated 1978). The museum was refurbished in 2020 and admission is free. It opens on only a few days a year, so check the Horgen municipal website or the parish before you go. Who looks after the building? Since 2001 the church and the rectory have been held by the foundation Stiftung St. Josef Horgen. It makes the buildings available to the parish priest appointed by the bishop, so that worship and pastoral work can continue in the parish. How do you get there? Horgen sits on the western shore of Lake Zurich, a short distance from central Zurich. You can reach it by S-Bahn along the lake or by ferry from the opposite shore. Most sights in town are within walking distance. Outside services, access to the church depends on opening hours; Sunday Mass is the easiest time to step inside. When should you visit? Choose a day when the tower museum is open, so you see both the church and the exhibition. A walk through Horgen pairs well with a trip on the lake, especially in the warmer months. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? The tower museum is free. The church is a working place of worship, so plan your visit around services. When was the current church built? In 1934, replacing an older church from 1872. It was renovated in 1978. Who designed it? The nave and choir were designed by the Zurich architect Anton Higi. Is the museum open all year? No. It opens only on a few set dates each year, published by the municipality and the parish.

christ catholic church with rectory and parish barn

Magden

The Christ Catholic Church with rectory and parish barn in Magden is a listed heritage group on a hillside terrace above the village of Magden, in the Swiss canton of Aargau. The church of St. Martin, the rectory and the former barn stand side by side on Kirchweg, and the cantonal heritage inventory describes them as a group that shapes the look of the village. What kind of church is this? The church belongs to the Christ Catholic (Old Catholic, German: christkatholisch) Church of Switzerland, which broke from Rome over the doctrine of papal infallibility. Magden's parish switched to this denomination in 1872. It is not the Roman Catholic church of the village, which is a separate building from the 1960s. The ensemble consists of three buildings: the church (Kirchweg): nave and choir rebuilt in 1620, around a bell tower dating from 1370/71; the rectory (Kirchweg 17): built in 1740 for the abbess of Olsberg convent; the parish barn (Kirchweg 19): built in 1759, now a parish hall. What will you see? The church sits in an intact churchyard, and its late medieval tower is a landmark visible across the village. Inside, look for the classicist stucco of 1811/1813 and the Rococo altars. In 1811 the church received three altars from the dissolved Capuchin monastery in Rheinfelden. The first written record of the church dates to 1036. The dedication to St. Martin points to Frankish origins. Patronage passed from Count Ulrich I of Lenzburg to the collegiate chapter of Beromünster in 1036, and to Olsberg convent in 1351. Olsberg also shaped the other buildings: the 1759 barn cost 930 Rhenish guilders plus grain, and the convent agreed to supply oak timber. In 1969 the barn was converted into a parish hall, and its exterior and interior were restored in 1993/94. The former wash house and woodshed became a mortuary chapel. How is it protected? The church has been under cantonal protection since 1963 and federal protection since 1984. Aargau's heritage inventory rates it as a building of regional importance (category B) with full protection. Work on the church took place in 1912, 1953, 1963/64 and 1972/73, with the tower restored in 2000 and the nave and choir in 2002/03. How to visit The group lies at the edge of the village on Kirchweg, so it fits well into a walk through Magden. The rectory and barn are in parish use rather than open as museums, so you view them from outside. Access to the church depends on the parish's opening times, so check with the parish or the municipality before you go. Frequently asked questions Is this a Roman Catholic church? No. It is Christ Catholic (Old Catholic); the parish adopted this denomination in 1872. How old is the church? The current nave and choir date from 1620, the tower from 1370/71, and the first record of the church from 1036. Can I go inside the rectory and barn? Both are working parish buildings, and the barn serves as a parish hall, so visitors usually see them from outside. Is the group protected? Yes. The church has had cantonal protection since 1963 and federal protection since 1984.

Wülflingen Reformed Church

Winterthur

Reformierte Kirche Wülflingen (Wülflingen Reformed Church) is a historic village-style church in Winterthur, canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It stands in the Wülflingen district northwest of the old town and forms a protected ensemble with the parsonage and nearby Wülflingen Castle. What is the history of the church? Excavations in 1972 showed that churches stood on this spot as early as the early Carolingian period, including post holes from a wooden building of the 7th or 8th century. The district chronicle lists a stone church around 700, a late Carolingian rebuild, a Romanesque church of the 11th century, and Gothic extensions with a tower between 1400 and 1525. The present church dates from 1681. Its builders kept the 13th-century chancel and the medieval tower. In 1757 the old tower gave way to a new one with a spired roof. The building was enlarged and reshaped several times from the later 17th century onward. Church patronage changed hands over the centuries: the Habsburgs pledged it to the lords of Seen around 1380, and in 1515 it passed to the Winterthur hospital foundation. What is inside? Part of the furnishings goes back to 1681, among them a Baroque walnut pulpit and a sandstone baptismal font. The church also holds a valuable collection of stained and painted glass. The cantonal heritage inventory rates it as a site of supra-local importance and a key witness to the village's local and social history. What else is nearby? Next door are the parsonage of 1638 and Wülflingen Castle, built in 1644-1645 for the Escher family. The district also keeps the medieval tower Alt-Wülflingen, dating from around 1200 and a remnant of the former castle; the city restored it in 1936. Wülflingen has belonged to Winterthur since 1922 and lies among the Wolfensberg, Brüelberg and Berenberg hills, so a walk here mixes heritage with greenery. How do you get there? The district is part of the city, so local public transport from Winterthur main station is the easiest option. Check the SBB app or the regional timetable for current stops. The church sits at roughly 47.511 N, 8.695 E. Can you visit the interior? It is a working church of the Winterthur-Wülflingen Reformed parish. We do not list set visiting hours; check the parish website for service times and access. Frequently asked questions How old is the church? The current building dates from 1681, with a 13th-century chancel and a tower of 1757. Worship on the site goes back to the early Middle Ages. Is the interior worth seeing? Yes: a Baroque pulpit, a sandstone font from 1681 and a collection of stained glass. What stands beside it? The 1638 parsonage and Wülflingen Castle (1644-1645), which together form a heritage ensemble. Is Wülflingen a separate town? No. It was an independent municipality until 1922, when it merged into Winterthur.

Reformierte Kirche.Uster

Uster

Reformierte Kirche Uster (the Reformed Church of Uster) is a classicist church in the town of Uster, in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It occupies a commanding position above the town centre and has been Uster's best-known religious landmark for nearly two centuries. When was it built, and by whom? The present church went up in 1823–24, replacing an older Romanesque-Gothic building. That predecessor, St. Andrew's, stood beside Uster Castle, appears in records from 1099 and was pulled down in 1823. The Swiss art guide credits the new building to Johannes Volkart. The tower came a few years later, in 1827–28, and the church was last renovated in 1984–85. Sources vary a little on dates: some give 1824 as the year of consecration, others treat the whole project as running from 1823 to 1827. Either way, the church dates from a single building campaign roughly 200 years ago. What does it look like? The church is a restrained, sober piece of classicism built as a transverse church, with its main axis running across the nave. The front is marked by a monumental gabled portico on four Tuscan columns. At the back rises a tower with a pointed spire and curved clock gables. The effect is dignified and solid rather than ornate. Why does it matter historically? The church was completed shortly before the Ustertag of 1830, the mass gathering of rural people from across the canton that became a milestone in Swiss liberal reform. The imposing new building was meant to reflect the rising confidence of the rural middle class. In 2024 the Reformed church marked its 200th anniversary. How to visit The church stands in central Uster, so it fits easily into a walk through the town and up to the castle area. View it first from the main entrance to take in the portico, then walk around to see the tower. The interior is open mainly around services and parish events. Check the Reformierte Kirche Uster website for current times. Uster is a 20–30 minute S-Bahn ride from Zurich. Frequently asked questions Who designed the church in Uster? The 1823–24 building is credited to Johannes Volkart. The tower was added in 1827–28. How old is the church? The current building is about 200 years old, but a church has stood on the site much longer. Its predecessor, St. Andrew's, is recorded from 1099. What architectural style is it? Classicism, with a Tuscan-column portico at the front and a spired tower at the back. Can I go inside? The interior is accessible during services and parish events. Outside those, confirm opening hours with the parish.

Holy Family catholic church

Unterägeri

Holy Family Catholic Church (Heilige Familie) in Unterägeri is the Catholic parish church of a lakeside village in the canton of Zug, central Switzerland. Zurich architect Ferdinand Stadler designed it, and it was built between 1857 and 1860. Unterägeri sits at the western end of Lake Ägeri, at roughly 727 m above sea level. What is the Heilige Familie church? It is the village's second parish church, described by the Historical Lexicon of Switzerland as monumental. The first was the Baroque Marienkirche (St. Maria), built in 1717–1725 on the site of an earlier chapel, after Unterägeri split from the Ägeri parish in 1714. The population grew from about 1,460 in 1836 to over 2,240 by 1850, and a larger church followed within a few years. Who was the architect? Ferdinand Stadler (1813–1870) worked mainly in Zurich and specialised in church buildings. He taught at the Zurich Polytechnic from 1855 to 1857. Among his better-known works are the Elisabethenkirche in Basel and the town church in Glarus. What else is nearby? Marienkirche — the older Baroque parish church. Chapel of the Holy Trinity (Heilige Dreifaltigkeit) in the municipality. The arched bridge over the Lorze, the river that leaves Lake Ägeri. Neuägeri — a former mill settlement built around cotton-spinning mills of 1836 and 1846, added to the federal inventory of protected townscapes in 2000. The last mill closed in 1979. Lake Ägeri — Unterägeri developed as a health resort from the 1880s. How do you get there? The church stands in the centre of Unterägeri (about 47.138 N, 8.583 E), on the historic Zug–Schwyz road. Check the Zug canton timetable for current bus links. For opening hours and service times, contact the Heilige Familie Unterägeri parish. Frequently asked questions When was the Heilige Familie church built? Between 1857 and 1860. Who designed it? Ferdinand Stadler, an architect from Zurich. Is it the oldest church in Unterägeri? No. The Baroque Marienkirche from 1717–1725 is older; Heilige Familie is the second parish church. Which parish does it belong to? The Roman Catholic parish of Heilige Familie Unterägeri, which also looks after the churches and chapels of the municipality. Is there a lake nearby? Yes, Lake Ägeri lies at about 724 m above sea level right next to the village.

Reformierte Kirche Horgen

Horgen

Reformierte Kirche Horgen is a Rococo Reformed church in Horgen, a town on the western shore of Lake Zurich in the canton of Zurich. Completed in 1782, it is the town's best-known landmark, and its tower rises above the lakeside rooftops. Who built it, and why? The builder Johann Jakob Haltiner received the commission in April 1780. The earlier church had been too small since around 1760, and its tower was so decayed that it was pulled down in 1780. The parish chose a full replacement over another repair. Note the architect: visitors sometimes assume the Grubenmann family of famous Swiss carpenter-builders was involved, but the sources point to Haltiner. What is inside? The interior is a central-plan hall where the congregation gathers around the pulpit, in keeping with Reformed worship. A self-supporting roof structure leaves the nave wide and free of columns. Andreas Moosbrugger made the Rococo stucco decoration, which was finished in the summer of 1782. Pastor Kaspar Lavater is recorded as preaching the first sermon in the new building. How tall is the tower? Tourism sources give the tower's height as 70.5 m. It is one of the most recognisable features of the Horgen skyline, visible from the streets below and from the lake. How do you get there? Horgen lies on the lakeside railway line, and S-Bahn trains from Zurich take a short ride. A ferry also links Horgen with Meilen across the lake. The church stands in the town centre, within walking distance of the station and the ferry landing. When should you visit? Daytime outside service hours works best. Opening times for the interior are set by the parish, so check the Horgen Reformed parish website before you go. The exterior and tower can be admired from the street at any time. Frequently asked questions When was the church built? In 1782, in Rococo style, with an interior planned for Reformed worship. Who designed it? Johann Jakob Haltiner. Andreas Moosbrugger created the stucco work inside. Is the interior richly decorated? Yes, through stucco ornament rather than altars. The pulpit is the focal point. Can you climb the tower? The sources we used do not mention tower access. The best views of it come from a walk through the centre and along the waterfront.

German Church

The Temple Allemand (German Church) in La Chaux-de-Fonds is a neo-Gothic former Protestant church at Rue du Progrès 12 in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. Today it works as a theatre and performance venue. Its German name is Deutsche Kirche, and locals know it as the Temple Allemand. Why is it called the German Church? It was the second Protestant church built in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The name recalls the German-speaking Swiss who settled in the watchmaking town during the 19th century, mostly arriving from the canton of Bern. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, around 30 percent of residents gave German as their language by 1880. The neo-Gothic nave dates from 1853, and the tower was added in 1881. The building later ceased to be used for worship. Press accounts say that around the end of the 1980s the renovated, deconsecrated church became a cultural stage. It now hosts performances, and the ABC cultural centre programmes shows there. What will you see? The main draw is the architecture itself: a slender neo-Gothic nave with a tower, standing out against the regular grid of the city's 19th-century streets. The interior has been adapted for performances, so the best way to see it is to attend an event. Past programmes have included theatre, puppetry festival shows and contemporary stage work. How do you get there? The church is in the centre of La Chaux-de-Fonds, within walking distance of the station. The town sits in the Neuchâtel Jura, roughly 50 minutes by train from Neuchâtel. Its watchmaking-era urban plan is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so pair your visit with a walk through the surrounding streets. When should you go? There are no fixed sightseeing hours as at a museum. Check the ABC programme or event listings and buy a ticket for a specific show. The theatre season runs through autumn, winter and spring. Frequently asked questions Is the Temple Allemand still a church? No. It has been deconsecrated and serves as a cultural venue. Where exactly is it? At Rue du Progrès 12 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, canton of Neuchâtel. When was it built? The nave dates from 1853 and the tower from 1881. Can you enter without a ticket? The interior is normally open during events. Organisers publish times and prices for each show.

Temple du Bas

Neuchâtel

Temple du Bas in Neuchâtel is a late-17th-century Reformed church that now serves as one of the city's main concert halls, close to Lake Neuchâtel. It can still host worship, but its everyday role is as the Salle de musique, a venue for concerts, ceremonies and conferences. Why was it built? The church dates from 1695 or 1696, depending on the source. The reason was simple: the town's Collégiale could no longer hold all the faithful, and Huguenot refugees were arriving after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Its first name was Temple Neuf, "the new church". The plans are attributed to Joseph Humbert-Droz. How did a church become a concert hall? Around 1973 the interior was adapted as a music hall, while the building kept its status as a place of worship. A major renovation followed between 2019 and 2021, led by the architecture firm Serge Grard. It included cleaning and restoring the original timber ceiling, which gives the room much of its character. What will you see inside? The hall is spacious, seating roughly 700 to 800 people depending on the layout. The period wooden ceiling stands out most. The interior is plain, in the Protestant tradition, with none of the ornament of a baroque church. Programmes range from orchestras and choirs to jazz and rock, so the room handles very different kinds of sound. How do you visit Temple du Bas? The easiest way is to attend an event. Concerts cover classical music, choirs, jazz and rock, alongside academic occasions and ceremonies. Outside event hours the interior is often closed, so check the venue calendar or ask the Neuchâtel tourist office before you go. The exterior can be seen at any time during a walk through the centre. How do you get there? The building stands in central Neuchâtel near the lake (coordinates 46.9912 N, 6.9301 E). The main pedestrian streets and the waterfront are an easy walk from the railway station, and the old town with the Collégiale is a short stroll away. What else is nearby? Climb to the castle hill and the Collégiale, whose overcrowding led to this church being built, and take a walk along the lakeside promenade. Frequently asked questions Is Temple du Bas still a church? Formally it kept its role as a place of worship, but day to day it works as a concert hall. How many people does it hold? Roughly 700 to 800, depending on the stage and seating setup. When was it built? In the late 17th century, in 1695 or 1696. Can you go inside without a ticket? That depends on the programme. Outside events the hall is often closed, so check dates in advance.

St. Maurice church

Zermatt

St. Mauritius Parish Church (Pfarrkirche St. Mauritius) is the main Catholic church of Zermatt in the Swiss canton of Valais. It stands in the village centre, and its garden leads to the mountaineers' cemetery, one of the best-known memorial sites in the Alps. What is the history of the church? Zermatt's parish is first mentioned in records from 1285. The previous church was probably built around 1587 in what sources call an Italian style, with a churchyard and ossuary dating from 1651 beside it. By 1913 the building had become too small for a growing tourist village, and the decision was made to pull it down. The new church was designed by Adolf Gaudy of Rorschach and consecrated on 6 June 1916 by Bishop Joseph Mariétan, abbot of Saint-Maurice. The fittings came in stages. A clock went into the tower in 1925, the large organ was inaugurated in 1926, and three new bells in 1932 completed the project. The interior was fully renovated in 1980, and the ceiling painting of Noah's Ark dates from that work. What will you see? The church has simple, compact volumes and a clock tower that sits comfortably among Zermatt's timber houses. Inside it is bright and quiet. Entry is free; during services, visit discreetly. What is the mountaineers' cemetery? Through the church garden you reach the mountaineers' cemetery, with gravestones of around 50 people killed in the mountains around Zermatt, mostly in the 19th century and a few from the early 20th. Graves linked to the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 are here: guide Michel Croz, who died on the descent, and Peter Taugwalder, father and son. Both Taugwalders died of natural causes; of the seven men in Whymper's party, only three came back to the village alive. A separate memorial, the Grave of the Unknown Mountaineer, was set up in 2015 on the initiative of Zermatt guide Harry Lauber for the 150th anniversary of the first ascent. It commemorates more than 500 people who have died on the Matterhorn since 1865. Twenty-seven of them have never been found. How do you get there and when should you go? Zermatt is car-free. Take the train to Zermatt station; the church is a few minutes' walk away in the centre. Early morning or late afternoon is quietest in the narrow lanes. The site is open in summer and winter, though garden paths can be icy in winter, so wear sturdy shoes. Nearby is the small Anglican church of St. Peter. It is a separate building with its own history, so don't confuse the two. Frequently asked questions Is entry to the church and cemetery paid? No. Both are freely accessible, but they are places of worship and remembrance, so dress and behave respectfully. When was the current church built? The decision to demolish the old church was taken in 1913, and the new one was consecrated on 6 June 1916. Adolf Gaudy was the architect. Is Edward Whymper buried in the cemetery? No. You will find the grave of guide Michel Croz, who took part in the first Matterhorn ascent, and the stone of Peter Taugwalder, father and son. What does the Grave of the Unknown Mountaineer commemorate? More than 500 Matterhorn victims since 1865, including 27 people whose bodies were never recovered. It was unveiled in 2015.

Katholische Kirche St. Oswald mit Beinhaus

Zug

St. Oswald's Church with its ossuary (Kirche St. Oswald mit Beinhaus) sits in the old town of Zug, Switzerland. The canton's heritage office ranks it as the most significant late-Gothic monument in central Switzerland. A former charnel house, the Beinhaus, stands beside the church and features on the town's heritage walk. What will you see inside St. Oswald's? The building is a textbook case of late-Gothic design. Its oldest surviving fitting is the choir stall of 1484, made by Ulrich Rosenstain of Lachen and the only original piece from the construction period. Above the chancel arch is a Last Judgment painted in 1866 by Melchior Paul von Deschwanden. The main entrance is flanked by the city's patron saints, Oswald and Michael. Who built it, and when? Parish priest Johannes Eberhart launched the project in 1478, with money partly coming from the spoils of the Burgundian Wars. He hired Hans Felder, a Bavarian-born master builder who was then Lucerne's city architect. Felder worked on the church in 1478-83 and again in 1492-94, and in the same period he built Zug's new town wall, including the Zytturm of 1480. The building grew in stages: 1478-1483: single-nave church 1492: extended to three aisles 1544-1545: raised to a basilica 1860-1870: neo-Gothic remodelling 1935: neo-Gothic furnishings removed 1983-1986: full restoration What is a Beinhaus? A Beinhaus is a charnel house, a small building where bones cleared from the churchyard were kept. Such structures were a normal part of medieval church precincts in the German-speaking world. In Zug it forms an ensemble with the church, and guides list it alongside the Zytturm, the town hall with its Gothic Hall and the Powder Tower. How do you get there? The church is in the middle of the old town, roughly a ten-minute walk from Zug station. Entry is free. Tourist listings give daily hours of 9:00-18:00, but confirm with Zug Tourism (Bahnhofplatz, +41 41 511 75 00) before you go. What else is nearby? The old town is compact, so you can combine the church with the Zytturm, the town hall and the lakeside promenade on Lake Zug in a single 2-3 hour walk. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No, entry to the church is free. Who designed St. Oswald's? Hans Felder, Lucerne's city master builder, working for the priest Johannes Eberhart who started the project. Can you visit the ossuary? The Beinhaus is part of Zug's heritage walk. Check access times with the tourist office. How long should you plan? About 20-30 minutes for the church, around two hours for the old town including the ossuary.