Sacred Monuments in Switzerland

Rein church

Rüfenach

The Reformed parish church of Rein sits in the village of Vorderrein, part of the municipality of Rüfenach in the Brugg district of Aargau, Switzerland. A restrained 19th-century building in a historicist style, it stands among the old parsonage buildings that still form a protected ensemble. What is the history of the church? The first church here was dedicated to St Leodegar and according to scholarship began as a manorial church of the Murbach-Lucerne monastery. Tradition places it in the 9th century, and the earliest firm record dates to 1175. The medieval building had a Romanesque tower and nave, a late Gothic choir, and a westward nave extension from 1715. It was pulled down in 1863 because it was in poor repair. Patronage rights changed hands repeatedly. The Lucerne monastery lost them to Rudolf I of Habsburg in 1291, Wittichen monastery received them in 1345, and after 1544 they ended up with the town of Brugg (two thirds) and Bern (one third). What does the present church look like? The current church dates from 1863-64 and follows plans drawn in 1858 by the Zurich state building inspector Johann Caspar Wolff, modelled on the church at Töss in canton Zurich. Later work included electric heating in 1927, a tower and roof renovation in 1937-38 by Carl Froelich of Brugg, and a thorough interior renovation in 1961 that stripped most of the original fittings. Paintings from 1909 survive above the lowered ceiling. What else is there to see nearby? The church forms a listed group with the parsonage, the parish barn and a washhouse. The parsonage was rebuilt in 1788-89 to designs by the Bernese state architect Emanuel Zehender. The Aargau heritage inventory describes the ensemble as intact and of high value to the village scene. How to get there and when to visit Rein lies near Brugg, next to Rüfenach in northern Aargau. It is a working parish church, which also serves Rüfenach, so the interior is mostly open during services. The exterior and the parsonage group can be seen at any time of year on a walk through the village. Frequently asked questions Is Rein a separate village? Rein was its own municipality until 1898, when the Aargau Grand Council merged it with Rüfenach. It consists of Vorderrein, where the church stands, and Hinterrein. When was the church built? The present building dates from 1863-64. Its partly Romanesque predecessor stood from the Middle Ages, with origins traditionally put in the 9th century. Is it a Catholic church? No. It is a Reformed Protestant parish church belonging to the Reformed Church of Aargau. Is the building protected? Yes. It is listed in the Aargau heritage inventory as RUA901, together with the parsonage, barn and washhouse.

Temple de Mex

Mex (VD)

Temple de Mex is the Reformed Protestant church standing at the heart of the village of Mex in the canton of Vaud, western Switzerland, just beyond the western edge of the Lausanne urban area. The building has medieval roots, with wall paintings from the early 1900s and stained glass from the late 1970s. It suits anyone who likes small village churches and the sacred architecture of French-speaking Switzerland. What is this building and what is its history? Today's Reformed church is the former parish church of Saint Mary Magdalene. A parish already existed here in 1228, and the foundation itself goes back to the Middle Ages. Between 1580 and 1582 the masons Antoine Vallon and André Petter partly rebuilt it. A further major renovation took place in the third quarter of the 17th century. Around 1790 the walls were raised and a small belfry was added, according to records. Mex adopted the Reformation in 1575, while Bern ruled this part of Vaud. The former Catholic church has served a Reformed congregation ever since, which is why the French name is "temple". What will you see? Late Gothic windows in the facades, a legacy of the 16th-century rebuilding. Wall paintings created in 1908-1909 by Louis Rivier. Stained glass by Yoki, dated 1979, which gives the interior a modern accent. The village setting, listed in the Swiss federal ISOS inventory of protected built sites. The church is small, so a visit takes about fifteen minutes. Pair it with a stroll through the village. How do you get to Mex? The village sits at about 492 m above sea level, and the church is in its centre (coordinates 46.578 N, 6.552 E). It is a short drive from Lausanne, and many residents commute to the Lausanne region. Public transport is a bus line linking Mex with Crissier, where you can change for onward connections toward Lausanne. In the Middle Ages the road from Lausanne to Jougne, an important route toward France, ran through the village. When is the best time to visit? Mex has roughly 830 inhabitants and a rural feel, so it is quiet in every season. Daytime in good weather works best, when you can take in the gentle hills of the Gros-de-Vaud. Fixed visiting hours are not listed, and the interior is easiest to see during services and parish events. If you want to see the paintings and stained glass, check with the Reformed parish (EERV) beforehand. Frequently asked questions Is Temple de Mex the same as Mex in Valais? No. This church is in Mex, canton of Vaud. The village of the same name in Valais lies near Saint-Maurice, in a different part of the country. What period is the church from? Its origins are medieval, and a parish existed in 1228. The present form results from rebuilding in 1580-1582, in the 17th century and around 1790. Who painted the interior murals? The wall paintings of 1908-1909 are by Louis Rivier. The 1979 stained-glass windows are by Yoki. Can you go inside? The interior is accessible during services or parish events. We do not list fixed visiting hours, so contact the parish.

evangelical-reformed church

Remigen

The Evangelical Reformed Church in Remigen (Evangelisch-reformierte Kirche, Kirchmatt) is a medieval parish church in the village of Remigen, canton of Aargau, Switzerland. It lies in the Brugg district, roughly three kilometres north-northwest of the town of Brugg, and is a protected cantonal monument. How old is Remigen's church? The first building dates to the 11th or 12th century. The western section of the Romanesque south wall still stands and can be seen in places. Around the middle of the 15th century the church grew to the east and north, and around 1460 a tower was added at the west end, with the construction joint still visible. The last major works came in 1957-58, when the nave was widened to the north and given a modern interior. What will you see? The design is plain: a rectangular nave with no separate chancel under a steep gabled roof. The tower ends in the shape locally called a "Käsbissen" (a bite of cheese) and has paired pointed-arch bell openings. The east wall holds a two-light pointed window with tracery, renewed in 1958 and fitted with a modern stained-glass piece by W. Kaufmann from the same year. The south wall has two narrow, tall rectangular openings. Inside, on the south wall, a late Gothic wall painting shows an angel scene, a remnant of a former two-tier cycle on the legend of St Peter. The wrought-iron clock mechanism dates from 1535 and is signed "LLW" (Lorenz Liechti, Winterthur). Why is it worth a stop? Aargau placed the church under cantonal protection on 5 July 1948. It is rated priority B (regional significance), and the protection covers the entire building. For anyone interested in village church architecture, it shows nearly a thousand years of layering: a Romanesque wall, a Gothic tower and a 1950s interior. Where is Remigen? The village sits in the transition zone between the Folded Jura and the Tabular Jura and covers about 7.9 km². It is first mentioned in 1064, as part of the Rein estate belonging to Murbach Abbey, a Benedictine house in Alsace. About 1,360 people lived here at the end of 2022. The church stands at approximately 47.516 N, 8.187 E. Frequently asked questions How old is the church? The oldest parts are from the 11th-12th century, the tower from about 1460, and the present interior from the 1957-58 renovation. Is it a listed monument? Yes. It has been under cantonal protection since 1948 as a building of regional importance (category B). What is the most valuable feature inside? The late Gothic wall painting of an angel from the St Peter cycle, and the 1535 clock mechanism. How do I find it? It stands on Kirchmatt in Remigen, close to the town of Brugg.

roman catholic parish church of St. Mary

Windisch

The Roman Catholic parish church of St. Mary (Katholische Pfarrkirche St. Maria) in Windisch is a post-war modernist church in the canton of Aargau, built between 1963 and 1965. It stands in Windisch next to the town of Brugg and is a good example of mid-20th-century Swiss church architecture. The cantonal building inventory lists it under the number INV-WIN929. What makes this church stand out? The Zurich architects Ruth and Edi Lanners designed it. The Aargau heritage inventory classes the building as post-war modernism (Nachkriegsmoderne). The complex has three parts: the church itself, a freestanding bell tower and a parish centre. That combination is typical of churches built after the Second World War, when parishes needed space for both worship and community life. Why was a church built here? The Catholic population in the area grew after the war. The Kirchverein Brugg bought the plot as early as 1950, and construction began in 1963. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, a Marian parish was founded here in 1965 and the church was consecrated in the same year. The organ was inaugurated on Ascension Day in 1971. Is this the only church in Windisch? No. Windisch is also home to the former Königsfelden monastery complex and its separate monastery church, which has a very different, medieval history. St. Maria is a modern parish church and works best as a stop of its own. How should you visit? This is a working parish church, so plan any visit inside around services and respect worshippers. The exterior, the bell tower and the parish buildings can be seen from public space. The coordinates are roughly 47.475 N, 8.213 E. Windisch sits right beside Brugg, so it is easy to reach by regional train or car, and a visit combines well with Königsfelden and the remains of the Roman legionary camp of Vindonissa. Frequently asked questions When was St. Maria in Windisch built? Construction ran from 1963 to 1965, and the church was consecrated in 1965. Who designed it? The Zurich architects Ruth and Edi Lanners. Is the church protected? It is listed in the Aargau canton's building inventory (INV-WIN929) as a post-war modernist building. Is it the same as the Königsfelden monastery church? No. They are two separate buildings in Windisch: a modern parish church and a medieval monastery church.

Klosterkirche Königsfelden

Windisch

Klosterkirche Königsfelden in Windisch is the former church of a double convent of Poor Clares and Franciscans in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland, famed for its medieval stained glass. It is now run by Museum Aargau and ranks among the region's most significant religious monuments. What is the story behind Königsfelden? The Habsburgs founded the convent in 1309. The trigger was the murder of King Albrecht I on 1 May 1308, close to the Reuss crossing near Windisch. His widow Elisabeth established the community in his memory. The site lies on the grounds of the Roman legionary camp Vindonissa, so ancient military remains are nearby. From 1317 Albrecht's daughter Agnes of Hungary, widow of King Andrew III, lived here. She never took vows, yet she steered Habsburg politics from Königsfelden and built up the convent's estates. The Reformation ended monastic life in 1528, and the nave was later put to use as a grain store. What can you see inside? The highlight is the stained glass made around 1325–1330. The choir was consecrated in 1330, probably when most of the glazing was finished. The windows turned the church into a Habsburg memorial. Glass once filled the nave too, but it survives only in the choir and the west window. Specialists count the cycle among Switzerland's finest, alongside the choir glazing of Bern Minster. The interior is plain, in the manner of mendicant-order churches, so the colored light stands out all the more. How do you get to Königsfelden? The church is in Windisch next to Brugg, at roughly 47.48° N, 8.22° E. From Zurich it is an easy trip by regional rail or road. Check Museum Aargau's website for current opening hours and entry rules before you go. When is the best time to visit? Come on a bright day, when sunlight strikes the choir windows. A visit takes about an hour; combined with the nearby Roman sites of Vindonissa, including the amphitheater, it fills half a day. Frequently asked questions Who owns the church? Museum Aargau, since 2009, which also looks after the former convent grounds. Who founded the convent? The Habsburgs, after Albrecht I was murdered in 1308. The foundation dates to 1309. Why is the glass famous? It dates from about 1325–1330 and is one of Switzerland's most important medieval glass ensembles. Is this the same as the Catholic church in Windisch? No. Königsfelden is the former convent church; Windisch has other churches, such as the Catholic St. Mary's.

St. Nikolaus catholic church

Brugg

St. Nikolaus Catholic Church in Brugg is the neo-Baroque parish church of Brugg, a small town in the canton of Aargau, northern Switzerland. It was consecrated in 1907. In a town that was Protestant for centuries, it is a clear marker of how the region's religious make-up shifted around 1900. Why does a Protestant town have a Catholic church? Brugg sits where the Aare squeezes through a narrow rocky gap, and after the Reformation the town was Reformed. In the later 19th century newcomers from Catholic areas arrived, drawn by industry and by the town's military training ground. In 1898 the town council allowed Catholics to hold services, and a church association followed soon after. A plot for the church was bought in 1900. The Catholic parish itself was formally constituted in 1938 and at first covered the whole Brugg district. What does the church look like? The building is neo-Baroque, a common style for Swiss church architecture of the early 20th century. Who designed it is disputed: the canton's heritage inventory names Adolf Gaudy, while the GSK art guide credits Albert Rimli. Sources also differ on the construction period (somewhere between 1904 and 1907). The consecration date, 1907, is not in doubt. The interior was extensively restored between 1965 and 1969. The wall paintings behind the altar are by Karl Manninger, and the organ was built by Metzler. The church is listed among the protected buildings of Aargau. What else is nearby? Two parish buildings stand beside the church. The old rectory, from 1898-99, was built by master builder Jakob Huldi. The newer rectory with a parish hall dates from 1924-25, designed by Baden architect Arthur Betschon, and echoes the style of the church. Together they form a coherent group in a quiet part of town. How do you get there? Brugg has good rail links to Zurich, Baden, Basel and Aarau. From the station the church is a walk away, and the town is compact enough to combine the visit with the old town. Pair it with the Reformed Stadtkirche, a different church that makes for an interesting comparison between the two confessions. When should you visit? This is a working parish church, so aim for times outside services. Daytime light shows off the neo-Baroque interior best. If an organ concert is on, you can hear the Metzler instrument. Current service times are published by the Catholic parish of Brugg. Frequently asked questions When was St. Nikolaus in Brugg consecrated? In 1907, the best-documented date in its building history. What style is the church? Neo-Baroque. The interior was restored in 1965-1969. Is it the same as the Stadtkirche? No. The Stadtkirche is Reformed, while St. Nikolaus is the town's Catholic parish church. Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it is on the list of protected buildings in the canton of Aargau.

St. George roman catholic parish church

Bünzen

St. George's Parish Church (Pfarrkirche St. Georg) in Bünzen is a Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church in the district of Muri, in the Freiamt region of the Swiss canton of Aargau. Built between 1860 and 1862, it is regarded as the oldest Neo-Gothic church in the whole Freiamt. Its interior restoration won the Swiss Heritage Prize (Schweizer Denkmalpreis) in 2015. What will you see? The church is a spacious hall church with a slim tower on the front, projecting slightly from the facade. It was designed by Caspar Joseph Jeuch (1811–1895), an architect from Baden. Planning started in December 1850. Because the parish had money problems, the drawings had to be revised several times, and in the end a third plan was built. The highlight inside is the trompe-l'œil painting. The 1931 decoration was largely lost over the decades, but it was reconstructed during the interior restoration of 2012–2014. That work earned the 2015 prize. The organ dates from 1980. What is the parish's history? The church is dedicated to St. George and St. Anna. The parish originally belonged to Muri Abbey. After the abbey was dissolved in 1841, the right of patronage passed to the canton of Aargau. The priest did not live in Bünzen at first; from 1788 he resided in the rectory at neighbouring Boswil. The present rectory, east of the church, dates from 1866. Is the church protected? Yes. It has been under cantonal protection since 1963 and under federal protection since 1979. Renovations took place several times: inside in 1931–1933 and 1974–1986, outside in 1956–1959 and 1993–1994. How do you get there, and when should you visit? The church stands in the centre of Bünzen (around 47.311 N, 8.326 E). As Bünzen lies in the Freiamt, a visit combines easily with a tour of nearby places such as Muri with its former abbey, and Boswil. Access to the interior depends on the church's opening hours, so daytime is the safest choice. Please stay quiet during services. Frequently asked questions When was St. George's Church in Bünzen built? Between 1860 and 1862, in the Neo-Gothic style, to plans by Caspar Joseph Jeuch. Why did the interior win an award? The 2012–2014 restoration recreated the trompe-l'œil painting of 1931 that had been largely lost, and the work received the Swiss Heritage Prize in 2015. Is the church a listed monument? Yes. It has been protected at cantonal level since 1963 and at federal level since 1979. Who are the patron saints? St. George and St. Anna.

Katholische Kirche Felix und Regula

St. Felix and Regula Catholic Church (Katholische Kirche Felix und Regula) sits on Hardstrasse in the Aussersihl district of Zurich (Kreis 4). It is a postwar modernist ensemble that has long served as a neighbourhood centre and now carries heritage protection. What is this place? The church is dedicated to Felix and Regula, the saints regarded as patrons of Zurich. The complex went up between 1949 and 1951 to a design by architect Fritz Metzger (1898–1973), commissioned by the foundation Stiftung St. Felix und Regula. It consists of the church, a rectory and a freestanding bell tower, listed at Hardstrasse 76 and 86 and Hirzelstrasse 16. What makes the architecture special? The canton of Zurich's heritage inventory points to an unusual layout. Instead of the traditional long nave with a separate chancel, Metzger followed the ideas of the Liturgical Movement. Pews curve in a half circle around the chancel, and the altar stands free so the congregation gathers around it. The slender tower rises at Felix-und-Regula-Platz. The inventory calls it an impressive piece of engineering and a feature that shapes the look of the surrounding streets. The rectory adjoins it to the southwest, and the parish hall on Hirzelstrasse was added in 1966–1968. Who contributed to the interior? The sculptor Albert Schilling (1904–1987) and the stained-glass artist Ferdinand Gehr (1896–1996) are named among the contributors. Protection covers the whole ensemble and the original building fabric, including the historic furnishings and artworks inside. Heritage authorities rate the site as significant beyond the municipal level. Swiss-Architects also lists a 2013 project here by the firm 10:8 Architekten. Why Felix and Regula? Zurich tradition holds that Felix and Regula were martyrs, and their cult has been tied to the city and its great churches, such as the Grossmünster, for centuries. After the grave was destroyed during the Reformation, veneration continued in non-liturgical forms. The Aussersihl church carries that dedication into a working-class district that grew west of the old centre. How do you get there? The church is in Kreis 4, a little over a kilometre from central Zurich, close to Hardstrasse. Zurich public transport is the easiest option, and it is also a walk from the main station area. Opening hours and service times are published by the Catholic parish of Zurich. Frequently asked questions Is the church a listed building? Yes. The church, rectory and tower are protected in the Zurich canton heritage inventory. Who designed it? Fritz Metzger, with construction in 1949–1951. What is unusual about it? The semicircular pews around a freestanding altar, and the slender separate tower. Is it worth going inside? Yes, if you like twentieth-century architecture. The interior includes work by Albert Schilling and Ferdinand Gehr.

Bullingerkirche

Zürich

Bullingerkirche in Zurich is a post-war Reformed Protestant church in the Hard quarter of Kreis 4. Brothers Hans and Kurt Pfister designed it, and it went up between 1953 and 1956 at Bullingerstrasse 4a. At the time, Hard was a fast-growing neighbourhood, and this was its first church of its own. Who was Bullinger? The church carries the name of Heinrich Bullinger (1504–1575), the sixteenth-century Zurich reformer who took over from Ulrich Zwingli as head of the city's church. He led it for almost five decades, and his Second Helvetic Confession of 1566 shaped Reformed congregations well beyond Switzerland. The name ties this modern building to one of the central figures of the Zurich Reformation. What will you see? The tower dominates the building: open in design and monumental in scale. From the pavement it looks imposing, yet the five bells hanging inside seem almost modest. H. Rüetschi AG of Aarau cast them in 1956. Swiss broadcaster SRF describes them as the deepest-sounding peal in Zurich, second only to the famous bell ensemble of the Pauluskirche. The design belongs to the 1950s. It was built as a working parish church rather than a sightseeing stop, which makes it a good example of post-war sacred architecture in the city. For deeper reading on the design, the University of Bern's inventory of Swiss sacred buildings points to "Reformierte Kirchen Zürich" (2006, pp. 54–57). Why is the church in the news? Today the building serves as a temporary home for Zurich's political bodies. While the Rathaus in the old town is being renovated, the Kantonsrat (cantonal parliament) and the city's Gemeinderat (municipal council) meet here. According to SRF, both are expected to move back around 2027. Check ahead whether a session is on, as that can affect access to the interior. How to fit it into a trip The church stands in Kreis 4, outside the tight core of the old town, so it pairs well with a walk through the districts west of the main station. If the Zurich Reformation interests you, start at the Grossmünster, where Zwingli preached, then continue to Bullingerkirche to see how his successor's memory lives on in a modern church name. For fans of mid-century architecture and church bells, it is a rewarding stop off the usual route. Frequently asked questions When was Bullingerkirche built? Between 1953 and 1956, to a design by the brothers Hans and Kurt Pfister. What denomination is it? Evangelical Reformed. It stands in the Hard quarter of Kreis 4 and was the first church of that part of Zurich. Who is it named after? Heinrich Bullinger, the sixteenth-century Zurich reformer and Zwingli's successor. Does parliament really meet inside? Yes, temporarily. The Kantonsrat and Gemeinderat sit here during the Rathaus renovation, with a return planned for around 2027. What is special about the tower? It is open and monumental, and its five bells from 1956 form the deepest peal in the city after the Pauluskirche.

Kirche Enge

Zürich

Kirche Enge in Zürich is a Reformed church crowning the Enge district, on the Bürgli terrace above Lake Zürich. Topped by a dome and built between 1892 and 1894, it counts among the most significant Neo-Renaissance churches in Switzerland. Why was the church built? Enge parish broke away from St. Peter in 1882 and needed a house of worship of its own. The old prayer house from 1776 held only about 350 people, while the then-independent municipality of Enge had more than 3,500 Reformed residents by 1880. Choosing a site took years. In 1887 the parish assembly picked the Bürgli terrace, which triggered a lawsuit with Adolf Guyer-Zeller, owner of the restaurant standing there. The case reached the Federal Supreme Court and went in the parish's favour. Who designed it, and what does it look like? The architect was Alfred Friedrich Bluntschli, a professor at ETH Zürich. The church follows a cross plan under a central dome. It sits on a moraine hill and is visible from afar, with a double staircase leading up to the main portal. Inside, the layout follows Reformed principles: the gallery and organ face the congregation. Swiss heritage inventory ISOS lists it as a landmark that dominates the skyline from a distance. What can you see and do there? Admire the church from outside as part of the district's skyline, and step in when it is open. The dome has a public viewing platform with views over the city and the lake. How do you get up the dome? From May to September the sexton leads a tower and dome tour every second Thursday. Check dates with the parish beforehand, since this is a recurring event and not a daily opening time. How do you get there? Kirche Enge stands in Enge, south of the city centre, near Bluntschlisteig and Grütlistrasse. From downtown it is a walk of roughly fifteen minutes along the lake, easily combined with Rieterpark and Belvoirpark. Frequently asked questions When was Kirche Enge built? Between 1892 and 1894; the parish itself dates from 1882. Who was the architect? Alfred Friedrich Bluntschli, ETH professor. Can I climb the dome? Yes, on guided tours with the sexton every second Thursday from May to September. What style is it? Neo-Renaissance, drawing on Italian early Renaissance, with a cross plan and dome.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Oberbussnang

St. Joseph Catholic Church (Kirche St. Josef) in Oberbussnang sits in the municipality of Bussnang, canton of Thurgau, in north-eastern Switzerland. A compact 1930s building with a circular floor plan, it has anchored the local Catholic community since 1935. It stands on Puregass, at roughly 47.558 N, 9.081 E. Why does Bussnang have a separate Catholic church? The Bussnang parish turned Protestant in 1529 under the preacher Johannes Zwick. Catholic Mass returned in 1596, and in 1639 the Rosenbach agreement eased confessional disputes. For centuries both communities shared the old church of St. Gall. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, the shared arrangement ended in 1935, when a new Catholic church was built. The Thurgau State Archive dates the start of construction to 1934 and holds a 1938 chronicle of the building project. What will you see? The shape is the main draw. Sources describe it as a Rundkirche, a round church. In a region of Swiss villages dominated by traditional long-naved churches with a tower, a circular plan stands out at once. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Basel, which covers Thurgau, and the church is dedicated to St. Joseph. It pairs well with the older Reformed church of St. Gall in Bussnang, whose origins go back to 885. Two buildings separated by roughly a thousand years of history tell the story of how two confessions lived side by side here. How do you get to Oberbussnang? Oberbussnang lies in the Weinfelden district, west of Weinfelden and south of Lake Constance. The easiest approach is by rail to Weinfelden, the district's main town, then by car or local public transport. Timetables are on the Swiss SBB journey planner. When should you visit? The exterior can be seen year-round. The interior is usually open around services, so check Mass times on the Catholic parish website. Spring and early autumn give the best light and views over the rolling Thurgau countryside. FAQ Is this the same church as St. Gallus in Bussnang? No. St. Gall is the old Reformed church. St. Joseph is a separate Catholic church from the 1930s. When was St. Joseph built? Construction began in 1934, and by 1935 the new Catholic church had ended the shared use of one church by both confessions. What shape is the building? It is a round church, a Rundkirche. Can you go inside? Mainly during services. The Catholic parish publishes the times.

St Nicholas Church

Frauenfeld

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.

St. Gallus Reformed Church

Oberbussnang

St. Gallus Reformed Church (Evangelische Kirche St. Gallus) is a parish church in Bussnang, in the Swiss canton of Thurgau. It is among the oldest places of worship in the area, with a founding date traditionally set at 885. The church stands on Puregass in the municipality of Bussnang, which has included the neighbouring village of Oberbussnang since 1996. What is the history of St. Gallus church? The church was first named after Saint Gall, the Irish missionary linked with the Lake Constance region. In 1123 it was rededicated to John the Baptist, which is why sources use both names. The right of patronage, meaning influence over appointing the parish priest, changed hands several times. It belonged first to the lords of Bussnang, then passed to the Order of St John commandery at Tobel in 1464, to the canton of Thurgau in 1809, and to the municipality of Bussnang in 1830. A 1985 anniversary booklet, "1100 Jahre Kirche St. Gallus zu Bussnang", was written by pastor Klaus Stahlberger and is held by the Thurgau State Archive. The archive also keeps building plans from 1935 and files on works carried out between 1961 and 1993. Why is the church Reformed? The parish adopted the Reformation as a whole in 1529, under the influence of the reformer Johannes Zwick. The Catholic Mass was reintroduced in Bussnang in 1596, so for the following centuries two confessions shared one building. This arrangement, known as parity, ended in 1935 when the Catholics built a round church of their own. Since then St. Gallus has served the Reformed congregation. Where is it and how do you get there? The church is in Bussnang, along the route between Weinfelden and Wil. Its coordinates are roughly 47.558° N, 9.082° E. Oberbussnang, a farming village on the Furtbach stream, lies next door and has shared Bussnang's church history since the early Middle Ages. You can reach the village by car from Weinfelden or Wil, or by public transport to Bussnang. What else is nearby? The Catholic church of St. Joseph, a round building from the period after 1935, stands in the same place. Seeing both churches shows the confessional divide that shaped life in the canton. Frequently asked questions When was St. Gallus church founded? Sources give 885. The parish celebrated its 1100th anniversary in 1985. Are services held in the church? Yes, it is an active church of the Reformed parish of Bussnang. The parish publishes current service times. How does St. Gallus differ from St. Joseph's in Bussnang? St. Gallus is the older, Reformed church. St. Joseph's is Catholic and was built as the shared-use arrangement ended in 1935. Where can I read more about its history? The Thurgau State Archive holds building plans and the 1985 anniversary publication. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland also covers the basic dates in its entry on Bussnang.

St. Katharina Zürich

Zürich

St. Katharina Zürich is a Catholic parish church in the Affoltern district, on the city's northern side. Built of concrete in the early 1970s, it is one of the best-known works of Swiss architect Eugen O. Fischer and a stop for anyone interested in twentieth-century church architecture. Where is St. Katharina and how do you get there? The church stands at Wehntalerstrasse 451 in Zürich-Affoltern, at roughly 47.416° N, 8.512° E. The district lies north of the centre and is served by city public transport; check the ZVV timetable for the nearest stop. In 2026 the parish was pushing to have the nearby "Einfangstrasse" stop renamed after the church. Who designed it and when was it built? Wilhelm and Eugen O. Fischer designed the church, and it was built between 1970 and 1972. It grew out of a 1967 competition whose brief covered more than a sanctuary: a parish hall, youth club and presbytery were part of the programme. The result is a community hub as much as a place of worship. What will you see? The architecture is Brutalist, with exposed raw concrete and a clear debt to Le Corbusier. The floor plan is centralised and takes a honeycomb form set inside a larger group of buildings. Walk around the whole complex to see how the parts connect. The building won the City of Zürich's award for good buildings, the first Catholic church to do so. Fischer is regarded as one of Switzerland's significant church architects of his generation. What is the parish's history? Affoltern's Catholics got their own church in 1928 and became an independent parish in 1933. The present church marks a later stage for a community in a fast-growing district. The parish published a 1983 history, "50 Jahre Pfarrei St. Katharina Zürich-Affoltern", and a foundation created in 2020 supports pastoral work and charity. When should you visit? The interior is mainly open during services and parish events, so check times on the parish website first. The exterior can be viewed at any hour, best in daylight when the texture of the concrete shows. Pair it with a walk through Affoltern or a trip back into central Zürich. Frequently asked questions Is St. Katharina a Catholic church? Yes. It is the parish church of the Catholic community in Zürich-Affoltern. Who built it and when? Wilhelm and Eugen O. Fischer, between 1970 and 1972. Why is it worth seeing? It is a Brutalist church with a honeycomb-shaped centralised plan, and the first Catholic church to receive the City of Zürich's award for good buildings. Where exactly is it? At Wehntalerstrasse 451, in the Affoltern district in the north of Zürich.

Église Saint-Jean-L'Évangéliste

Echallens

The Church of Saint John the Evangelist (Église Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste) in Echallens is the Catholic church of a small town in the canton of Vaud, western Switzerland. It belongs to the Diocese of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg, and its story shows how two Christian confessions once lived under one roof. What is the history of the church? Echallens first appears in records in 1141, when its church was a branch of the parish of Goumoëns-la-Ville. By 1228 it had become a parish in its own right. The old church here carried the dedication to Saint John the Evangelist and outlived the Reformation. After 1536 the parish was mixed. Catholics and Protestants used the same building under an arrangement known as the simultaneum, the terms of which Bern and Fribourg negotiated at length. The two cities jointly ruled the surrounding bailiwick from 1484 to 1798. A new shared church went up in 1726-1727. In the 19th century the communities went their separate ways: Protestants built their own temple in 1865, and Catholics raised their church in 1883 on the site of the old mixed building. That is the Catholic church you see today. Where is it and how do you get there? The church stands in the centre of Echallens, at roughly 46.641 N, 6.637 E. The town lies in the Gros-de-Vaud region on the river Talent, along the road from Lausanne to Yverdon, about 15 km from Lausanne. A railway from Lausanne has served the town since 1874, extended to Bercher in 1889. What else is there to see in Echallens? Pair the church with a walk through town: Echallens Castle – first mentioned in 1273, rebuilt by Louis de Chalon in 1451, burned by the Swiss in 1475 and partly rebuilt in the 16th century as the bailiff's residence. The commune bought it in 1816, and it now houses offices and a school. Maison du blé et du pain – a museum of grain and bread, opened in 1989, where traditional crafts are shown live. The area is nicknamed the granary of the Gros-de-Vaud. When should you visit? Public historical sources do not list opening hours or service times. Check the Catholic parish of Echallens or the diocesan website for the current mass schedule. Daytime, as part of a stroll through the town centre, works best. Frequently asked questions Is the church medieval? The present building dates from 1883. What is medieval is the parish itself, documented before 1228, and the earlier church with the same dedication. Why did two confessions share one church in Echallens? After the Reformation in 1536 the parish was mixed, and the bailiwick was governed jointly by Protestant Bern and Catholic Fribourg. The simultaneum was their compromise. Where is the Protestant church? The Reformed community built its own temple in 1865, separate from the Catholic church. Is anything else worth seeing nearby? Yes, the castle, with parts dating from the 13th to 16th centuries, and the bread museum Maison du blé et du pain.

Reformierte Kirche und Pfarrhaus

Tenniken

The Reformed Church and Rectory (Reformierte Kirche und Pfarrhaus) in Tenniken form a small heritage ensemble in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, northern Switzerland. The church crowns a hill above the village, and the rectory sits at the foot of it. Both are listed in the cantonal inventory of protected monuments. What will you see in Tenniken? The Protestant church stands at Kirchrain 2, on a rise east of the built-up village. A walled graveyard surrounds it, so the hilltop reads as one compact site. The chancel was rebuilt around 1515. The interior shows the mark of the Reformation: galleries were added and the chancel arch was taken out, turning the space into a preaching hall. A thorough renovation in 1941 kept the exterior intact but reconstructed the inside, bringing back the chancel arch and removing the side gallery. What makes the rectory worth a look? The rectory at Alte Landstrasse 23/25 grew in three building phases. Its oldest section is the three-storey central block of 1559, built in late Gothic style. It was extended in the 17th and 18th centuries. A sundial marks the south gable, and some rooms inside are wood-panelled. The former parsonage barn stands in front of the house as part of the same group. The cantonal authorities have protected the building since 1969. What is the parish history? A church of St Mary in Tenniken is already recorded in 1435. Since the Reformation in 1529 the village has formed its own independent parish. The present arrangement of the interior is a result of that change of confession, while the early 16th-century structure remains. How should you visit? The rectory is a lived-in parish building, so view it from outside: the facade, the sundial and the neighbouring barn. The walk uphill from the rectory to the church is short, and the graveyard hill gives a good view over the village layout. The ensemble lies at roughly 47.436 N, 7.813 E. Check the parish or municipal website before planning to go inside the church, as opening times vary. Frequently asked questions Where is Tenniken? In the canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland, near Sissach. How old is the church? The chancel dates from about 1515. The parish is mentioned as early as 1435. Is the rectory a listed building? Yes. Its oldest part dates to 1559, and cantonal protection has applied since 1969. Was the church altered after the Reformation? Yes. Galleries were added, the chancel arch was removed, and in 1941 the interior was thoroughly renovated while the exterior was preserved.

Pasquart church (Biel/Bienne)

Biel/Bienne

Pasquart Church in Biel/Bienne is a Neo-Romanesque Reformed church built for the city's French-speaking congregation. It sits on a terrace above the town centre, at the foot of the Jura, in the Pasquart quarter. Locals also call it the Église du Pasquart, and in the past it was the Französische Kirche, or French Church. Why was a church built at Pasquart? In 1893 the Reformed parish of Biel decided that its growing French-speaking community needed a house of worship of its own. It bought land that had once belonged to the Rockhall estate. A design competition ran in 1897 and 1898, and Armin Stöcklin won the commission. Building took place between 1902 and 1904, with the inauguration on 12 June 1904. The clock tower followed in 1923, and a year later a ring of four bells cast by the Rüetschi foundry in Aarau was hung in it. What can you see outside? The plan is cruciform, crowned by a tall bell tower. The walls are rough-faced blocks of pale Jura limestone, and the detailing is late Romanesque Revival. The architectural sculpture is by Karl Joseph Leuch. A gilded inscription, "DIEU SOIT AVEC VOUS", runs above the main portal and is broken in the middle by a carved head of Christ wearing the crown of thorns. A plaque on the east facade honours Thomas Wyttenbach, a Biel reformer who taught Huldrych Zwingli. Next door stand the early Baroque Rockhall mansion and two neo-Baroque villas, so the whole corner rewards a slow walk. Which windows and interior details matter? The large rose windows are the work of Zurich glass artist Friedrich Berbig: baptism in the east, the gospel in the south and the Last Supper in the west. Charles Clément added further stained glass in 1951. The interior was renovated in 1951-52 and again in 2000-01, and in 2019 the tower was restored and the facades cleaned. What is special about the organ? The first organ, built by Kuhn in 1907, had 21 stops. A larger three-manual Kuhn instrument replaced it in 1952. Today's organ, by Füglister, dates from 2001 and stands on the re-erected north gallery. It has fully mechanical action, 40 stops and four manuals. Services from the church have been broadcast on Swiss and European television, including Eurovision transmissions. How do you get there? The bus stop "Französische Kirche" on Alpenstrasse is named after the church and is served by Biel city bus line 5. The coordinates are 47.1403 N, 7.2420 E. On foot from the centre it is a gentle uphill walk towards the Jura slopes. Frequently asked questions Is Pasquart Church the same as Centre PasquArt? No. Centre PasquArt is an art centre in a former hospital dating from 1866. The church is a separate building in the same neighbourhood. Who designed the church? Armin Stöcklin, winner of the 1897-98 competition. Karl Joseph Leuch made the sculpture. What style is it? Late Romanesque Revival, with a cross-shaped plan and Jura limestone facades. Why was it once called the French Church? The parish built it for services in French, serving Biel/Bienne's French-speaking residents.

Kirche Oberhasli

Niederhasli

Kirche Oberhasli is a Reformed branch church in the village of Oberhasli, part of the municipality of Niederhasli in the canton of Zurich (Dielsdorf district), roughly 15 km north of central Zurich. It sits on a rise and anchors the village centre, and it keeps Romanesque fabric that has become rare in the region. What kind of church is it? It belongs to the Reformed congregation as a filial church of the parish in Niederhasli. Do not confuse it with Oberhasli in the canton of Bern, in the Haslital valley. This one lies in the Glatt valley area, north of Zurich. The Zurich cantonal inventory of heritage objects of supra-local importance lists the church. Under the inventory sheet, listing records a presumption of protection rather than formal protection, and the heritage office advises contacting it early about any building plans. What will you see? The main highlight is the 12th-century nave. According to the inventory, it is one of the few religious buildings in the canton where considerable parts of the Romanesque structure survive in the upper walls. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland dates the Oberhasli chapel to the 12th century and notes that it was given a Baroque makeover in 1619. From outside, the setting is what stands out. The church dominates the village, so it is easy to spot on a walk. It is a modest village church rather than an all-day attraction, and it works well as a stop on a stroll through Niederhasli and its hamlets. What is the historical background? Church history in Niederhasli municipality runs deep. The chapel of St Bartholomew in Niederhasli split from Bülach in 1188 and appears as a parish church in 1275. Two other churches in the municipality are worth knowing: the late Gothic Reformed church in Niederhasli (rebuilt 1462 to 1469 after destruction in 1443 during the Old Zurich War, given its present form in 1703), and the Catholic St Christophorus church of 1925, regarded as the oldest post-Reformation Catholic church built new in the Dielsdorf district. Together they show how religious life in the area changed over the centuries. How do you get there? The coordinates are 47.46545 N, 8.49821 E. Reach Niederhasli from Zurich by public transport or by car; check current connections on sbb.ch or the ZVV app. From there the walk through the village is short, and the elevated position makes the church easy to find. When should you visit? The exterior can be viewed year-round, and daylight in clear weather is best. The interior is usually open during services and parish events, so check hours with the Reformed parish of Niederhasli. Frequently asked questions Is Kirche Oberhasli in the canton of Bern? No. This church is in Oberhasli near Niederhasli in the canton of Zurich. The Haslital valley in Bern is a different area. How old is the church? The nave dates from the 12th century and retains substantial Romanesque walls. The chapel was given Baroque features in 1619. Is the church protected? It is on the cantonal inventory of objects of supra-local importance, which establishes a presumption of protection rather than formal protection. Can I combine the visit with other churches? Yes. Niederhasli also has the Reformed church, shaped in 1703, and the Catholic St Christophorus church from 1925.

Saint Christophorus catholic church

Niederhasli

St. Christophorus Church (Kirche St. Christophorus) in Niederhasli is a Catholic church in the municipality of Niederhasli, canton of Zurich, not far from Zurich Airport. It went up in 1925 and has kept most of its original character. For anyone interested in Swiss church architecture, it shows how a Catholic congregation built a home in a region with a long Reformed tradition. Why is this church notable? The Zurich cantonal heritage inventory describes it as the oldest post-Reformation Catholic church built from scratch in the Dielsdorf district. For centuries the area was Reformed, so Catholics had no church of their own here until the early twentieth century. The church was first dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows; the Christophorus name, after the patron saint of travellers, came later. Who designed it? The architect was Joseph Steiner, who built a good number of churches across the Diocese of Chur. What can you see inside? The high altar, made by the Vogl workshop in Tyrol. Fourteen Stations of the Cross by Philipp Noflaner, dated 1926, a year after the church was completed. A Späth organ installed in 1977, used for services and concerts. Because the furnishings were added soon after construction and later changes were modest, the interior feels coherent. How do you get there? Niederhasli lies north of Zurich; the church stands at roughly 47.480 N, 8.486 E. From the city you can combine an S-Bahn train with a local bus, or drive. The village borders Oberglatt, Niederglatt and Neerach. What else is worth knowing about the village? Christian history in Niederhasli is older than the present church. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, the chapel of St. Bartholomew separated from Bülach in 1188 and is recorded as a parish church in 1275. That earlier church was destroyed in 1443 during the Old Zurich War. It is a pre-Reformation story rather than that of the 1925 building, but it shows how long worship has been rooted here. A Reformed church also stands in the village, so you can compare both traditions on one short walk. Within the church structure, the building belongs to the Diocese of Chur and the Winterthur deanery. The Katholische Kirchenstiftung Niederhasli has organised pastoral care for Niederhasli, Oberglatt, Niederglatt and Neerach. Frequently asked questions Is the church a listed monument? It appears in the Zurich canton heritage inventory, and its interior is largely preserved in its original form. When was St. Christophorus in Niederhasli built? In 1925. The Stations of the Cross followed in 1926. Who designed it? Joseph Steiner, an architect of many churches in the Diocese of Chur. Can I hear the organ? The 1977 Späth organ is part of the furnishings. Check the parish for service and concert dates before you visit.

Reformierte Kirche Grüningen

Grüningen

Reformierte Kirche Grüningen is the Reformed parish church of Grüningen, a medieval small town in the canton of Zurich (Hinwil district). It sits on a hilltop spur right beside the castle, and together the two form the best-known silhouette in the area. Where is the church and why visit? The church stands inside the castle complex next to Schloss Grüningen. The Swiss inventory of historic town sites (ISOS) describes the group of castle, church and medieval town as an ensemble set in an unspoilt position. The castle courtyard offers the best view of the church, while the spur looks out over the roofs of the Städtli and the surrounding fields. What is its history? Grüningen received its own parish in 1610. The ISOS register dates the church building to 1783 and the former parsonage to 1678. A fire damaged the church in 1970. The canton of Zurich restored it in 2012 for CHF 280,000 and in 2013 handed the church and tower wing to the local Reformed parish free of charge; the parish must keep it for church use only. What else is there to see in Grüningen? Grüningen Castle – seat of the Zurich bailiwick from 1408 to 1798. The reformer Konrad Grebel was imprisoned here in 1525–1526. Today it houses the Schlossmuseum. Stedtligasse – the old town's main street, lined with the historic inns Zum Bären and Hirschen. Museums – besides the castle museum, a tin figure museum (Zinnfigurenmuseum) and a beekeeping museum (Imkereimuseum). Wakkerpreis – in 1976 the town won this award from the Swiss Heritage Society for protecting its townscape. How do you get there? There is no train service; the Wetzikon–Meilen railway ran through the old town from 1903 to 1950. Take a VZO bus: line 845 (Uster – Oetwil am See) or 867 (Wetzikon – Oetwil am See). By car, local roads link Grüningen with Dürnten, Bubikon, Oetwil am See, Gossau and Wetzikon. The church lies at the upper edge of the town, by the castle. When should you go? The town is best explored by day in dry weather; the walk from Stedtligasse up to the castle is short. Service times and interior access are published by the Grüningen Reformed parish. Frequently asked questions Is the church still in use? Yes. It belongs to the Reformed parish of Grüningen and is used for church purposes only. Is it next to the castle? Yes, it stands within the castle complex beside Schloss Grüningen. Can I get there by train? No. The easiest way is VZO bus 845 or 867. What else is nearby? The castle with its museum, Stedtligasse, and the tin figure and beekeeping museums.

Aarau city church

Aarau

Aarau Stadtkirche (the Town Church, listed as "Aarau city church") is a Reformed church in Aarau, the capital of the canton of Aargau in Switzerland. This late Gothic basilica stands on Kirchplatz at the edge of the old town and is one of the city's key landmarks. It is classed as a heritage site of national significance. When was it built, and by whom? The present church went up between 1471 and 1478, replacing an earlier building. Master builder Sebastian Gisel followed the layout of the Königsfelden monastery church, and much of the stone came from the demolished Obergösgen castle. The tower is older than the nave: its lower part dates to the first half of the 15th century, and in 1663 it was raised and given curved Baroque gables. What can you see inside? A Gothic rood screen (Lettner). Swiss heritage literature counts it among the finest late Gothic screens in the country. A plain interior. After the Reformation of 1528 the twelve altars were removed. The 1965-66 restoration brought back the original austerity and rebuilt the facades and the roof turret. Stained glass. The side aisles hold windows by Roland Guignard from 1970. The organ. It moved to the west gallery during the 1889-90 renovation. A new instrument was installed in 1961-62, keeping the old case front and adding a new Rückpositiv. What about the bells? Part of the peal was cast by the Rüetschi foundry of Aarau, and the main bells date from 1899. The church bell-ringer also plays the carillon, and the tower's sound has featured on Swiss radio. How to visit The church sits in the old town, a short walk from the centre and the station. The lanes around it were laid out by the Counts of Kyburg in the 13th century, so you can combine the visit with a stroll through the medieval street plan. Check opening hours and tower access with the Reformed parish of Aarau before you go. Frequently asked questions Is the Stadtkirche Aarau Catholic? No. It is an Evangelical Reformed church used by the local Reformed congregation. What period is it from? The late Gothic. The nave was built in 1471-1478 and the tower was raised in 1663. What is the highlight inside? The late Gothic rood screen, together with the restored plain nave and Guignard's stained glass. Is it the same as the churches in Basel or Wädenswil? No. This is the Stadtkirche in Aarau, canton of Aargau, not a similarly named church in another town.

Marien Wädenswil

Wädenswil

Marienkirche (Church of St. Mary) in Wädenswil is the Roman Catholic parish church on Etzelstrasse in this Lake Zurich town in the canton of Zurich. Built in the neo-Romanesque style in the 1890s, it belongs to the Diocese of Chur and the Albis deanery, and stands out in a town long shaped by the Protestant Reformation. What is this building? The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and serves the Catholic parish of Wädenswil. It was constructed between 1894 and 1897 to a design by August Hardegger, a Swiss architect who planned many Catholic churches around the turn of the 20th century and blended early Christian, Gothic Revival and Romanesque Revival forms. The consecration took place on 18 July 1897. Travel listings describe it as a basilica with room for about 800 people. What does it look like? The neo-Romanesque character shows in the massing: a semicircular apse, an arcade along the exterior and a tower rising above the whole. The effect comes from proportion and rhythm rather than decoration. Look at the line of arches on the facade and at how the solid body contrasts with the residential streets around Etzelstrasse. How do you get to Marienkirche in Wädenswil? Wädenswil sits on the western shore of Lake Zurich and is served by regional trains from Zurich, so the S-Bahn is the easiest way to arrive. The church lies in a residential part of town at roughly 47.2265 N, 8.6723 E, within walking distance of the centre. The rectory and parish office (Etzelstrasse 3) are on the same site. Can you go inside? This is a working parish church, so access depends on services and opening arrangements. Check the Wädenswil Catholic parish for Mass and opening times, which change with the liturgical calendar. Keep quiet during services. Since 2020 a foundation, Sankt Marien, has owned and maintained the church and rectory in support of worship and pastoral work in the parish. What else is nearby? Wädenswil makes a good base for lakeside walks and for hikes toward the Etzel hill. The town also has a Reformed church, so one outing lets you compare Protestant and Catholic architecture. Combine the visit with a stroll through the centre and a boat trip on the lake. Frequently asked questions Who designed the Marienkirche in Wädenswil? August Hardegger, an architect who specialised in church buildings. Construction ran from 1894 to 1897. How many people does the church hold? Tourist sources give about 800 seats. Which diocese does the parish belong to? The Diocese of Chur, in the Albis deanery. Is the church open to visitors? It is an active parish church. The Catholic parish of Wädenswil publishes opening and service times; stay quiet during Mass.

Saint-Saturnin Reformed Church

Villette (Lavaux)

Saint-Saturnin Reformed Church (Temple de Saint-Saturnin) in Villette is the village church of Villette, in the Lavaux wine region on Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud. It rises among UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces and ranks among the oldest religious buildings in the area. What is the history of Saint-Saturnin? The church is first recorded in 1134 and is described as a parish church by 1228, at which point it answered to the priory of Lutry. Villette was one of four great parishes of Lavaux, all within the secular domain of the bishops of Lausanne. In 1824 the large parish was divided into six communes, and since 2011 Villette has belonged to Bourg-en-Lavaux together with Cully, Epesses, Grandvaux and Riex. Remains of Roman buildings were found beneath the church, so people lived on this spot long before the Middle Ages. In the 15th century the tower was crowned with a stone spire, which still stands out against the vineyard slopes. What else is there to see nearby? The church makes a good starting point for a walk through Lavaux. Villette is mostly winegrowers' houses, with terraced vineyards and retaining walls stepping down towards the lake. UNESCO inscribed the region in 2007. The landscape-protection movement began here in 1972, when a plan allowing villas led to the founding of the Sauver Lavaux association. The Lavaux UNESCO association runs guided heritage walks through the village during the year, and the old Saint-Saturnin church features in them. How do you get to Villette? Villette sits on the lakeside railway line (the Simplon route), opened in 1861, so you can arrive by train from Lausanne or Vevey. The church is at 46.49366 N, 6.71047 E. Footpaths through the vineyards link the village with Cully and Grandvaux. When should you visit? Late summer and autumn are the most striking, with the grape harvest under way and the vineyards changing colour. In spring and summer the terraces are green, and views over the lake to the Savoy Alps are best on clear days. The building is an active parish church, so check opening times with the local parish. Frequently asked questions Is this a Catholic church? No. In French-speaking Switzerland a "temple" is a Reformed Protestant church, and Saint-Saturnin is part of that tradition today. How old is the church? It is first mentioned in 1134, and sources confirm parish status in 1228. Are there Roman remains under it? Yes, archaeologists found traces of Roman buildings beneath the church. Can I combine a visit with a vineyard walk? Yes. Villette lies in the heart of the UNESCO area, and trails lead to Cully, Grandvaux and the lakeshore.

St. Paul's Church

Bazylea

St. Paul's Church (Pauluskirche) in Basel is a Neo-Romanesque landmark from the turn of the 20th century and one of Switzerland's best-known Art Nouveau churches. It now works as a cultural venue called Kulturkirche Paulus, and it is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance. Who built it, and when? Construction ran from May 1898 to November 1901. The architects were Karl Moser and Robert Curjel, and the building was consecrated on Sunday, 17 November 1901. The same partnership later designed the Pauluskirche in Bern. What is there to see outside? The church has a cross-shaped central plan and stands free on its plot, so you can walk all the way round it. A square tower and a large rose window dominate the silhouette. The basic forms echo late Romanesque architecture, while the facade carries interlaced Jugendstil ornament. Above the main portal is a 1904 relief by Carl Burckhardt showing Christ lifting up a fallen sinner. What does the interior hold? Stained glass by Max Läuger, made between 1901 and 1904, sets the mood. On either side of the niche pulpit runs a mosaic cycle by Heinrich Altherr from 1908. The organ dates from 1987, built by Orgelbau Th. Kuhn with three manuals and 53 stops in a case designed by Georg Weismann. It replaced an 1901 instrument by Jakob Zimmermann. What is a visit like today? The last regular service took place in June 2019. An association, Kulturkirche Paulus, was founded in September 2020 and has run the building since 1 July 2021. Expect concerts, neighbourhood events and choir work. Guided tower tours explain the construction history, and the outside galleries look out in all four directions. Check the current programme and tour dates before you go. How do you get there? The church sits in the western part of central Basel, a few tram stops from SBB station. Walking or public transport is the easiest way; street parking nearby is limited. It combines well with a walk through the Old Town and along the Rhine. Frequently asked questions Is the Pauluskirche still a working church? Not in the traditional sense. Regular services ended in 2019, and since 2021 an association has used the building for cultural events. Who designed it? Karl Moser and Robert Curjel, between 1898 and 1901. What style is it? The structure is Neo-Romanesque, while the decoration and stained glass are Art Nouveau (Jugendstil). Can you climb the tower? Guided tower tours are offered, but the tower is not open at all times, so confirm dates with the organisers.