Sacred Monuments in Switzerland

Evangelical church Weinfelden

Weinfelden

The Evangelical Church in Weinfelden (German: Evangelische Kirche Weinfelden) is a Romanesque Revival church with Art Nouveau touches, completed in 1904 in the centre of the town in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. It stands on Kirchgasse and is one of the town's most rewarding sights for anyone interested in church architecture and early 20th-century design. What is the story behind the building? Today's church is the third on this site. The second, consecrated in 1726, was built by Jakob Grubenmann of Teufen, a celebrated Swiss master carpenter, and for generations it was shared by two denominations under a simultaneum arrangement. That arrangement was dissolved in 1902, and the Protestant congregation then built a church of its own, put up between 1902 and 1904 where the Grubenmann church had stood. It was dedicated in 1904 to a design by the Zurich firm Pfleghard & Haefeli (Otto Pfleghard and Max Haefeli). What will you see? The church is a centrally planned building on a cross-shaped footprint, with a tower rising above the crossing. The GSK art guide describes its style as a successful blend of angular Romanesque Revival massing and the soft, flowing lines of early Art Nouveau. Inside, look for: four galleries wrapped around the congregation, the pulpit wall by Hermann Binz of Karlsruhe, stained glass by Jakob Georg Röttinger, made after designs by Christian Jakob Schmidt. The Thurgau heritage office rates the interior as being of outstanding cultural and historical importance and calls for the fabric of the building to be preserved. How do you get there? The church is in the centre of Weinfelden on Kirchgasse, a short walk from the main streets. Weinfelden has a railway station, so the easiest approach is by train followed by a walk through the town. The parish offices and archive are close by. When should you visit? This is a working parish church, so you are most likely to get inside during services or parish events. Opening times vary by season; the parish website, evang-weinfelden.ch, has current details. The exterior and tower can be admired at any time. Frequently asked questions When was the Protestant church in Weinfelden built? Construction ran from 1902 to 1904, and the church was dedicated in 1904. Who designed it? The Zurich architecture firm Pfleghard & Haefeli. What style is it? Romanesque Revival massing combined with early Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) forms. Is it the same as the Catholic church in Weinfelden? No. The Catholic parish has its own, separate church; this one belongs to the Evangelical Reformed congregation.

Reformierte Kirche Uetikon am See

Uetikon am See

The Reformed Church in Uetikon am See (Reformierte Kirche Uetikon) crowns a ridge on the southern edge of the village, on the right shore of Lake Zurich in the canton of Zurich. It is the parish church of the local Reformed congregation, with roots in a 15th-century chapel and a main building dating from the late 1600s. The terrace in front looks out over the lake toward the mountains. How did the church come about? Until 1682, Uetikon belonged to the parish of Meilen as one of its outlying districts. A first chapel went up in 1429 on the Rütihalde hill, now called Kirchbüel. After the Reformation, services in the village lapsed for a while. Independence came with the backing of the estate owner Heinrich Lochmann-Hirzel: separation from Meilen was granted in 1680, and the church was built in 1681-82. Hans Felix Gossweiler became the first pastor. Patronage lay with the Zurich Lochmann family until 1760, then passed to the Zurich Small Council. In 1924 the building was extended westward, adding roughly two hundred seats. The organ dates from 1953. What will you see? A tower and a hilltop setting make the church easy to spot from around the village. The nave seats about 265 people and the gallery adds roughly 100 more. It remains a working place of worship, so keep your voice down inside. For deeper history, including the bells, tower clock, cemetery and parsonage, the parish recommends Peter Ziegler's book Uetikon am See, available at the village library. How do you get there? The address is Gartenstrasse 24, 8707 Uetikon am See. The S-Bahn runs from Zurich and Rapperswil (lines S6 and S7, about every 30 minutes), and bus 920 connects from Meilen. From the north, Gartenstrasse leads up to the church. Only a few blue-zone spaces sit beside it; paid underground garages at the Gemeindehaus and the "Backsteingebäude" are a 3-5 minute walk away. When should you visit? The church is open to visitors daily from 9:00 to 17:00, including for a quiet moment. Pick a clear day, when the terrace shows the lake and the Alps. Service times and events are posted on the Uetikon Reformed parish website. What else is nearby? Uetikon sits on the slopes of the Pfannenstiel, and winegrowing was a pillar of its economy from the late Middle Ages. The Chemische Fabrik Uetikon, founded in 1818, is regarded as Switzerland's oldest chemical company still operating. The Catholic church of St. Francis, completed in 2008 and recognised with architecture awards, is also in the village, so both churches fit into a single walk. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No fee is listed; the church is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. When was the church built? The present church dates from 1681-82. An earlier chapel on the hill was built in 1429. Can you see the lake from the church? Yes. The church terrace overlooks Lake Zurich and the mountains beyond. Where can you park? A few blue-zone spaces are by the church. More parking is in underground garages 3-5 minutes away on foot.

Kirche Wipkingen

Zürich

Kirche Wipkingen in Zürich is a Reformed Protestant church from the early 1900s in the Wipkingen district (Zürich's District 10). It is now in the middle of an unusual second life: classrooms rather than services. What is the history of the church? The Reformed parish of Wipkingen was founded in 1865. The parish only got its own church decades later, in 1908–1909, as the district was growing quickly. The federal ISOS inventory lists the church among the notable buildings of Wipkingen. The church closed at the end of 2018 and has not been used for worship since 2019. The City of Zürich and the parish have worked together on a new use for the building ever since. What is happening to it now? The city is converting the church into school space for the Waidhalde school, the first time a church building in Zürich serves directly as a school. The scheme comes from the Basel firm Vécsey Schmidt Architekt*innen with Anderegg Partner AG, and the budget is CHF 9.3 million. Work was coordinated with the city's heritage office. The architects used light, reversible structures that can be removed without trace and kept the heated volume to a minimum. The ground floor holds a multipurpose and singing hall, childcare and catering rooms, and a library. Upstairs, a large unheated "Sommersaal" lets visitors still read the architecture of the former nave. The parish says the new use keeps the building's public character. The rooms are meant to be ready for the 2026/27 school year. Can you visit Kirche Wipkingen? It is now a school, so do not expect regular sightseeing hours. The best plan is to see the exterior as part of a walk through the neighbourhood. Check the City of Zürich or parish announcements before trying to go inside. How do you get to Wipkingen? Wipkingen lies north of central Zürich on the right bank of the Limmat. It is served by the ZVV public transport network and reached from Hauptbahnhof in a short ride. Frequently asked questions Is this the same church as Guthirt? No. Wipkingen has two churches. Kirche Wipkingen is Reformed, while the Catholic Guthirt parish was founded in 1923 and has its own church. When was the church built? In 1908–1909. The Reformed parish had existed in Wipkingen since 1865. Are services still held here? No. The building has not been used for church purposes since 2019. Who is converting the church? Vécsey Schmidt Architekt*innen of Basel won the architectural competition for the school conversion.

Guthirt

Zürich

Guthirt Church in Zürich (Kirche Guthirt) is a Roman Catholic parish church in the Wipkingen district, in the north-west of the city. Dedicated to the Good Shepherd, it has stood since 1923 and is a listed heritage building. Organ enthusiasts know it above all for an instrument that survives almost untouched from the 1930s. What makes Guthirt Church special? The parish was founded and the church built in the same year, 1923, three decades after Wipkingen became part of the city of Zürich in 1893. The parish complex sits at Guthirtstrasse 3–7 and includes a tower and a crypt. The church is protected as a monument, and in 2018–2019 it underwent a full renovation and refurbishment led by Schäublin Architekten AG. What can you see inside? The highlight is the organ by Orgelbau Th. Kuhn AG, inaugurated on 13 December 1931. Parishioners had saved for roughly ten years after the church opened to pay for it. It has three manuals, pedal and 52 stops, combining Baroque clarity with Romantic orchestral colour. The builder's documentation calls it the only Swiss organ preserved almost entirely in its original state. A neo-Baroque replacement was planned in the 1970s but never funded, so only a minor rebuild took place. During the 2018–2019 renovation Kuhn overhauled the instrument and reinstalled the original Cymbal stop. How do you get there? The church is in Wipkingen (Kreis 10), at about 47.395 N, 8.527 E. Public transport links it with central Zürich, and trams have served the district since the late 19th century. Check the ZVV timetable for current connections. When should you visit? The church is in active parish use, so the easiest time to look around is outside services. Service times and any organ concerts are listed on the parish website, guthirt.ch. Anything else worth knowing? Wipkingen was a separate village for centuries: it had fewer than 900 residents in 1850 and almost 22,000 by 1950. Guthirt Church dates from this period of rapid growth, when the district needed its own Catholic parish. Today it makes a good stop on a walk through Kreis 10. Frequently asked questions Is this the same as Kirche Wipkingen? No. Guthirt is Catholic; Kirche Wipkingen and the Reformed parish hall are separate buildings in the same district. When was Guthirt Church built? In 1923, the same year the parish was founded. What is the main attraction? The 1931 Kuhn organ, preserved almost in original condition, and the listed building itself after its 2018–2019 renovation. Where exactly is it? On Guthirtstrasse in Wipkingen, 8037 Zürich.

English Church

Lausanne

English Church (Christ Church) in Lausanne is the largest Anglican church in Switzerland and a fine Victorian Gothic Revival landmark above Lake Geneva. It stands at Avenue de l'Église-Anglaise 1 and is listed as a historic monument by the canton of Vaud. What is the English Church in Lausanne? It is a Church of England chaplaincy, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Its formal name is Christ Church, though locals call it the "Église anglaise" or "Église anglicane". Do not confuse it with the Scots Kirk on Avenue de Rumine, which is a Presbyterian congregation. What is its history? Anglicans have gathered in Lausanne since 1816, when a first service was held in the Chapelle de la Mercerie; the community drew up its first constitution in 1818. Reverend Isaac Kendal Cheesbrough served as chaplain from 1822 until his death in 1857. In 1840 the congregation moved to the Temple de la Croix d'Ouchy, built jointly with the Reformed Church of Vaud. The English philanthropist William Haldimand covered much of the cost with a gift of CHF 75,000. The present building was designed by George Edmund Street, the English Gothic Revival architect. The Swiss architect Edouard van Muyden supervised construction and adjusted the plans slightly. The foundation stone was laid on 19 June 1877 and the first service took place on 4 July 1878. Consecration followed on 6 June 1887, once the building debt was cleared. As the congregation grew, a south aisle and south transept were added in 1898. What will you see? The church is a Victorian Gothic Revival work that brings English models to a Swiss hillside setting. Street also designed All Saints in Vevey, so the two churches make a natural pair for architecture fans. Note the south aisle, a later addition that blends into the original body of the church. When should you visit? The English-language Sunday service starts at 10:30. The interior is easiest to see during services and parish events; check current opening times with the parish office on +41 21 312 65 63. Frequently asked questions Where is the English Church in Lausanne? At Avenue de l'Église-Anglaise 1, Lausanne, canton of Vaud. Who designed it? George Edmund Street, with Edouard van Muyden supervising the work. Is it the same as the Scots Kirk? No. The Scots Kirk at Avenue de Rumine 24 is a Scottish church, designed by Viollet-le-Duc and dedicated in 1877. In what language are services held? English, on Sundays at 10:30.

Reformierte Kirche, Pfarrhaus und Kaplanei

Kirchberg BE

The Reformed Church, Rectory and Chaplaincy in Kirchberg (canton of Bern) form a historic cluster of buildings in the village centre, on the right bank of the Emme river. A Protestant church anchors the group, with the parsonage and the former chaplaincy beside it. It makes an easy stop on a short village walk, and the place has a far longer past than its present mix of industry and housing suggests. What is this place? The church first appears in records in 1208. The building you see today dates from 1506 to 1507, the final years of the Middle Ages and just before the Reformation reached Bern. A dedication to Saint Martin is sometimes mentioned, but historians consider it uncertain. The church probably belonged to Selz Abbey in Alsace from 994 and was formally incorporated into it in 1308, with the abbey paying the parish vicar. Around 1825 the painter Samuel Weibel captured the church and rectory from the west in a watercolour, now held by the Swiss National Library. Why does Kirchberg have such deep roots? In 994 the Burgundian royal estate at Kirchberg was given to Selz Abbey. In the 13th century the lords of Thorberg held the local bailiwick. Ulrich von Thorberg fortified the settlement in 1278, and in 1283 King Rudolf of Habsburg granted it town rights and a weekly market. A real town never developed, though. Between 1398 and 1429 authority passed to Bern, which bought the abbey's remaining holdings, including the church patronage rights, in 1481. What can you see nearby? You view the church and neighbouring buildings from outside, set among the village houses. The church stands in the heart of the settlement, close to the Emme, where a bridge replaced an earlier footbridge in 1640. In the municipality you will also find the Kleehof, built in 1765 to 1768 as a well-known model farm of Johann Rudolf Tschiffeli. The hamlet of Bütikofen, farmland and forest, belongs to Kirchberg too. How do you get there? Kirchberg lies in the Emmental region, in the former Burgdorf district, a few kilometres from Burgdorf. The Bern to Zurich road, built in 1756 to 1764, passes through the village, and a motorway junction has served it since 1965. The nearest railway station is Alchenflüh on the Burgdorf-Solothurn line, opened in 1876. From the village centre the church is a short walk. When should you visit? The exterior can be seen all year. Pick a day with good light if you want photographs of the whole ensemble. The interior may be open during services and parish events, so check with the parish before you travel. Frequently asked questions How old is the church in Kirchberg? It was first mentioned in 1208, and the present building dates from 1506 to 1507. Is this the same Kirchberg as the one in Tyrol? No. This Kirchberg is in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, on the Emme river. How long does a visit take? About 20 to 30 minutes covers the ensemble and a stroll through the village centre. Can I get here by public transport? Yes. The closest station is Alchenflüh on the Burgdorf-Solothurn line, and the village sits on the main Bern to Zurich road.

Lausanne Cathedral

Lozanna

Lausanne Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Lausanne) crowns the hill of the old town in the canton of Vaud and is widely regarded as Switzerland's finest Gothic building. It belongs to the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Vaud, and today it serves as a place of worship, a concert venue and a major sight. How old is the cathedral? Work began around 1170 in the Romanesque manner, but the design soon turned to early Gothic. The main construction was finished around 1235, and the building was consecrated in 1275, with some sources giving 20 October. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and Pope Gregory X and Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg attended. After the Reformation reached the city in 1536, the church became Protestant. In the 19th century it underwent a large restoration led by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. What should you look at? The Painted Portal on the south side, dated to roughly 1225-1235. Few portals in Europe still carry such substantial traces of their original colour. The Montfalcon Portal on the west front, now the main entrance. Bishop Aymon de Montfalcon moved the principal access to the west in the early 16th century, and the sculptor Raphaël Lugeon rebuilt the doorway's sculpture between 1892 and 1909. The interior, with a lofty nave and stained glass, including the rose window in the south transept. City information says the rose window and its glass will be out of view until spring 2027 while the vaults are renovated. Who is the cathedral night watchman? Since 1405 a watchman has kept lookout from the bell tower, originally to spot fires in a city of timber houses. The tradition survives: every night from 10 pm to 2 am he calls out the hour from the tower. In 2021 a woman took over as stand-in for the first time. The climb to the watchman's post is 153 stone steps, and the tower is about 40 metres high. How do you visit the tower, and when should you come? Tower tickets start at about 4 CHF. The cathedral is open to visitors during the day, and from April to September the hours are generally 9 am to 7 pm. Check the cathedral's website for the rest of the year and for tower access rules. The night visit with the watchman requires a phone reservation in advance. From the top you see the old-town roofs, Lake Geneva and the Alps. The cathedral stands in the upper town, so reaching it from the lower districts means a climb by stairs or lanes. You can walk from the railway station, and the metro covers part of the way. Frequently asked questions Is Lausanne Cathedral Catholic? No. It has been Protestant since the Reformation in 1536 and belongs to the Reformed Church of Vaud. When was it consecrated? In 1275, in the presence of Pope Gregory X and Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg. How many steps lead up the tower? There are 153 stone steps up to the watchman's post. When can you hear the watchman? He announces the hour from the tower every hour between 10 pm and 2 am.

Münster Schaffhausen

Münster Schaffhausen, also called Münster zu Allerheiligen, is a Romanesque basilica in the old town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland. It once belonged to the Benedictine All Saints Abbey and today serves the Reformed church. For visitors it combines medieval architecture, a quiet cloister and one of the best-known bells in the German-speaking world. How did the minster come about? Count Eberhard von Nellenburg and his wife Ita founded the abbey in the eleventh century. The conventional founding date is 1049, when Pope Leo IX consecrated the Resurrection altar here. The church itself was consecrated in 1064. In 1080 Eberhard's son Burkhard gave up his proprietary rights in favour of the abbey, and Abbot William of Hirsau carried out a monastic reform. The building was altered several times over the centuries, so what you see is a sturdy Romanesque core with later changes. Schaffhausen turned to the Reformation in 1524 and the minster became the city's main Reformed church. The abbey was dissolved in 1529. What is there to see? The Romanesque nave. The interior is bright and plain, with heavy piers and no Baroque decoration. Entry to the church is free. The cloister. The cloister next to the church is open to visitors during the day and offers a calm break from the old town. The herb garden. The garden beside the abbey buildings has been cultivated since the Middle Ages and is free to enter. The Schillerglocke. Cast in 1486, this bell weighs about 4.5 tonnes and carries the Latin inscription "vivos voco, mortuos plango, fulgura frango" (I call the living, I mourn the dead, I break the lightning). It inspired Friedrich Schiller's 1799 poem "Das Lied von der Glocke". The original now stands in the cloister, while the great bell in the tower, cast in 1898, copies its tone, weight and inscription. Is there a museum next door? Yes. The former abbey buildings house the Museum zu Allerheiligen, one of the largest museums in the region, with archaeological, historical and art collections. The museum charges admission, and opening hours and prices change, so check its website before you go. The church, cloister and garden need no ticket. How should you plan the visit? The minster stands in the old town, a walk of roughly fifteen minutes from the railway station. The church, cloister and garden take about an hour. With the museum, set aside half a day. The Rhine Falls lie just outside the city, so the two sights combine well into a single day trip. Frequently asked questions Is entry to Münster Schaffhausen free? Yes. The church, cloister and herb garden are open to the public during the day. Only the Museum zu Allerheiligen charges admission. When was the minster built? The abbey was founded around 1049 and the basilica was consecrated in 1064. It is Romanesque, with later alterations. What is the Schillerglocke? A bell cast in 1486, weighing about 4.5 tonnes, with a Latin inscription that inspired Schiller's poem "The Song of the Bell". You can see the original in the cloister. Is it still a Catholic church? No. It has been Reformed since 1524, and the Benedictine abbey was dissolved in 1529.

St. Peter

Zürich

St. Peter's Church (Sankt Peterkirche) in Zurich is the city's oldest parish church, and its tower, carrying an enormous clock face, is one of the most recognisable sights of the Old Town (Altstadt) on the left bank of the Limmat. What is the history of the church? The church stands on the Lindenhof hill, a spot with a long record of earlier sacred buildings. Foundations from the 9th century survive beneath the choir, and some sources push the earliest structures back to the 8th century. A Romanesque church was built around the year 1000 and replaced in 1230 by a late Romanesque building, parts of which still stand. Rudolf Brun, the city's first guild-era mayor, acquired the church in 1345. During the Reformation Leo Jud preached here, and in the 18th century the pastor was Johann Caspar Lavater. Why is the tower famous? The tower is roughly 200 years older than the present nave and served as a fire watch until 1911. Its four dials measure about 8.7 metres across and are widely described as the largest church clock faces in Europe. The clock set Zurich's official time. Swiss broadcaster SRF dates the first mechanical clock to 1366, while other sources give 1538, so treat clock dates as approximate. Five bells cast in 1880 hang in the tower; the biggest weighs more than 6 tonnes. The city owns the tower, while the parish owns the nave. What will you see inside? The choir keeps its Romanesque character, and the three-aisled interior is Baroque. The current nave was consecrated in 1706, and 15th-century choir stalls survive from earlier times. The space is bright and plain, typical of Zwinglian Reformed churches. How do you get there, and when should you visit? The church sits on Peterhofstatt square in the heart of the Altstadt. It is about a five-minute walk from the Paradeplatz tram stop, and Rennweg is also close. Entry is free. Published opening hours differ between sources and change for events, so check the parish site st-peter-zh.ch before you go. The clock is best admired from the surrounding lanes below, and a visit pairs easily with the Lindenhof viewpoint and a stroll along the Limmat. Frequently asked questions Is St. Peter the oldest church in Zurich? It is the city's oldest parish church, with origins in the 9th century, and some sources point to the 8th. How big is the clock face? About 8.7 metres in diameter, commonly cited as the largest church clock face in Europe. Is there an entrance fee? No, entry is free. How long should I plan for a visit? Allow 20 to 30 minutes inside, or about an hour including Peterhofstatt and the nearby Lindenhof.

Santa Lucia Church

Massagno

Santa Lucia Church (Chiesa di Santa Lucia) in Massagno is the neo-Romanesque parish church of a municipality bordering Lugano, in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It dates from 1931 and houses artworks rescued from an older church of the same name, which was pulled down that year. What is the history of Santa Lucia in Massagno? The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (HLS) places the parish church of St Lucy in Massagno at around 1530. For centuries the village belonged to the parish of Lugano, and it only became an independent parish in 1927. The first firm record of the old church is from 1578. It was a sixteenth-century building, though its exact construction date is unknown. In June 1931 it was demolished to widen the cantonal road, Via San Gottardo. The present church went up the same year, a few hundred metres from the old site. What can you see inside and at the old site? Works from the old building were moved into the new church. The most notable are: a sixteenth-century fresco of the Adoration of the Magi, transferred to canvas and linked to Bernardino Luini or his pupils, an Annunciation painting from 1636, a seventeenth-century image of St Lucy. The current building follows a neo-Romanesque style. Where the demolished church stood, a monument designed in 1960-61 by architect Alberto Finzi marks the spot. Its pointed-arch form echoes the position and size of the lost apse, so a short walk there helps you picture the original church. How do you get to the church? Massagno sits right next to Lugano, in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. From central Lugano you can walk, take a bus or make a short drive. The church lies in the built-up part of the municipality, at roughly 46.013 N, 8.943 E. When should you visit? It is a working parish church, so visit outside services and keep quiet inside. Check opening hours with the parish beforehand. Allow 20-30 minutes, and pair the stop with a day in Lugano. Frequently asked questions Is this the church that was demolished in 1931? No. The old church was torn down in 1931 for road widening. The present building was erected the same year elsewhere, and part of the furnishings moved with it. Who painted the Adoration of the Magi fresco? The authorship is uncertain. It is associated with Bernardino Luini or his pupils. What style is the current church? Neo-Romanesque, according to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland. What stands on the old church's site? A monument by Alberto Finzi from 1960-61, whose pointed-arch shape recalls the apse of the demolished church.

Katholische Kirche Dübendorf

Dübendorf

Katholische Kirche Dübendorf is the Maria Frieden church (Maria-Friedenskirche), the main Catholic church of Dübendorf in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It is dedicated to Mary, Queen of Peace, and its tall tower is one of the town centre's best-known landmarks. When and why was the church built? Catholic services began again in Dübendorf in 1897. For decades the congregation made do with modest, makeshift premises. After the Second World War it commissioned a proper church, designed by architects Ferdinand Pfammatter and Walter Rieger and built from 1950 to 1952. Bishop Christian Caminada of Chur consecrated it on 27 April 1952. The Historical Lexicon of Switzerland dates it to 1951-1952. What is there to see? The tower. Added in 1963, it stands about 45 metres tall, matching the length of the nave. You can spot it from many streets around the centre. The bells. Six bronze bells were cast in 1963 by H. Rüetschi of Aarau and weigh roughly 14.8 tonnes in total. They are dedicated to the Trinity, Mary, Joseph, Elijah, Barbara and Bernard. Elijah and Barbara reflect Dübendorf's aviation history: the town is known for its military airfield, and Elijah is regarded as a patron of pilots. The organ. Finished in spring 2014 by Bernhardt H. Edskes of Wohlen (AG), it has 37 stops and ranks among the largest two-manual organs in Switzerland. With little room available, the pipes sit in two mirrored cases that follow the polygonal wall. The crypt. The parish has planned step-free access to the crypt. Heritage authorities required that new elements at the entrance match the building's architectural style. How do you get there? The church is in central Dübendorf, with the parish office on Neuhausstrasse. The town borders Zurich and is served by S-Bahn trains, trams and buses. From the centre it is an easy walk. The parish also runs the Leepünt centre nearby. Visit outside service times for a quiet look inside, or arrive shortly before a service to hear the bells. Check the parish website for current hours. Frequently asked questions Is the church called St. Maria? The name in use is Maria Frieden (Maria-Friedenskirche), meaning Mary, Queen of Peace. When was it built? Between 1950 and 1952, with consecration on 27 April 1952. How large is the parish? A church job notice cites more than 10,500 Catholics. The parish forms a pastoral area with Fällanden and Schwerzenbach. Is it worth going inside? Yes, if you are interested in the Edskes organ, post-war church architecture and the town's aviation history.

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Binningen

Heilig Kreuz (Holy Cross) Catholic Church in Binningen is a Roman Catholic parish church on the southwestern edge of Basel, in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. It stands at Schlossrebenrain 11 and is regarded as one of the most significant neo-Gothic churches in the Baselbiet region. It has been a cantonally protected monument since 1997. Where is it and what makes the setting special? The church sits on a raised spot on the steep western slope of the Bruderholz hill, above the old village centre. That hillside position gives the building a commanding presence beyond what its size alone would suggest. Traces of a Roman farmstead were found on the site, so people lived here long before the church existed. Views open out across the valley and the rooftops of Binningen. How did the church come about? Binningen had been Reformed since 1529, and Catholics were a small minority for centuries. The first Catholic service took place in 1889 in the dance hall of a local inn. By 1895 the community had grown to roughly 900 people and set about building a church of its own. The commission went to August Hardegger, a church architect from St. Gallen. Building permission and the foundation stone came in 1895; the church was consecrated in 1896, together with a new parish house. The tower followed in 1907 and received four bells in 1908. The building was, in effect, a statement of Catholic presence in a Protestant setting. What will you see? A neo-Gothic exterior of Jura limestone ashlar, whose stonework drew special attention during the restoration. A tower added at the start of the 20th century. An interior with vaults uncovered around 1990, after a flat ceiling was removed. The interior was modernised in 1954-55, and the exterior and tower were renovated in 1996-97. How do you get there? Binningen borders Basel directly to the southwest and is linked to the city centre by public transport. From the old village centre, the church is a short uphill walk of a few minutes. Navigation address: Schlossrebenrain 11, Binningen. Frequently asked questions Is the church a listed monument? Yes. It is included in the cantonal inventory of protected monuments of Basel-Landschaft and has been protected since 1997. Who designed it? August Hardegger of St. Gallen, an architect known for Catholic church design. When was it built? The foundation stone was laid in 1895, the church was consecrated in 1896, and the tower was added in 1907. Is it a Protestant church? No, it is a Roman Catholic parish church. The village itself has been Reformed since 1529, which is why the building was an important milestone for local Catholics.

Reformierte Kirche mit Pfarrhaus und Brunnen

Obstalden

Reformierte Kirche Obstalden (the Reformed Church of Obstalden) is the village church of Obstalden, part of the municipality of Glarus Nord in the canton of Glarus. The village sits on the Kerenzerberg terrace at roughly 685 m, high above Lake Walen, and the church is its main historic landmark. What is the church's history? The church was built around 1300 as a foundation tied to the Schänis monastery, within the Diocese of Chur. The building is first documented in 1444. The Reformation reached Obstalden in 1528, and in 1593 the community bought its full independence from Schänis, becoming a parish of its own. Today it serves the wider Kerenzerberg area. What can you see inside? Wall paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries are the highlight. Those in the tower choir are described as the oldest surviving monumental wall painting in the canton of Glarus, and paintings on the choir's south wall are dated to about 1460. The church has kept much of its original character. The listing name also mentions a rectory and fountains, which belong to the village setting around the church; check locally for details on them. How do you get there? Obstalden lies on the road along Lake Walen over the Kerenzerberg, between Näfels and Mühlehorn. You can drive in from the Linth valley or from the Walenstadt side. The church stands in the village centre. What else is nearby? Obstalden was first mentioned in 1310 and had 443 residents in 2010. It was an independent municipality until 2010 and has belonged to Glarus Nord since 2011, together with seven other former municipalities. In the Mürtschen area, iron, copper and silver were mined in the 17th century. The surrounding plateau suits relaxed walks with lake views. Frequently asked questions When was the Obstalden church built? Around 1300, with the first written mention in 1444. Are there historic paintings inside? Yes, wall paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries, including the tower choir. Which municipality is Obstalden in? Glarus Nord, canton of Glarus, since 2011. Is the church open to visitors? Check opening times with the parish before you go.

St. Johann church

Stein am Rhein

St. Johann church (St. Johann auf Burg) in Stein am Rhein crowns a small hill in the Vor der Brugg district, on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the famous old town. It is among the oldest places of worship in the region, and it stands on the remains of a Roman fortress. Why is it called "auf Burg"? The church sits inside the former Roman fort of Tasgetium. This nearly square stronghold with several towers was built around AD 294 as a bridgehead at the Rhine crossing. Do not confuse it with the Stadtkirche, the former church of St. George's Abbey in the town centre. How old is it? Its oldest foundations date to the 6th century, and the first written record is from 799. During the 1976-78 restoration, archaeologists uncovered two richly furnished graves of an aristocratic family in the ruins of a late Roman building. A stone church with an apse followed in the late 7th century. Ownership changed hands often. The church belonged to the Abbey of St. Gall, King Otto I gave it to Reichenau monastery in 950, and from 1359 it was an Austrian (Habsburg) fief. Einsiedeln Abbey held the patronage from 1468, until it passed to the canton of Schaffhausen in 1836. Records mention the dedication to John in 1434 and to John the Evangelist in 1490. What will you see? The hilltop setting gives views over the Rhine and the roofs of the old town. Interior access depends on opening times, so check with the local tourist office before you go. How do you get there? From the centre of Stein am Rhein, cross the Rhine by the bridge (a walk of about fifteen minutes) and climb the Burg hill. By train, Stein am Rhein station lies on the line from Schaffhausen and Kreuzlingen, and the church is a short walk from there. Frequently asked questions Is St. Johann the same as the Stadtkirche? No. The Stadtkirche is the former collegiate church of St. George's Abbey inside the old town. St. Johann stands on the Burg hill within the Roman fort. How old is the church? The foundations go back to the 6th century, and it was first mentioned in writing in 799. What was found during the 1976-78 restoration? Two richly furnished aristocratic graves in a Roman building's ruins, along with traces of an earlier church with an apse. Is it worth combining with the old town? Yes. Only the Rhine bridge separates the two, so you can see both on a single walk.

Herz Jesu Mattenbach

Winterthur

Herz Jesu Mattenbach is the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart in the Mattenbach district of Winterthur, canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Completed in the mid-1930s, it is a modernist parish church that still serves its community and rewards a short stop for its façade, stained glass and organ. How did a Catholic church end up in Mattenbach? Catholic worship was outlawed in the canton of Zurich after the Reformation of 1524. Winterthur saw its first Catholic service since then only in 1862. Mattenbach grew with the city's industrialisation in the late 1800s, and by the 1920s local Catholics wanted a church of their own. The plot was bought on 1 January 1929, the foundation stone was laid on 27 August 1933, and the church was consecrated on 28 October 1934. Today the congregation belongs to the largest Catholic parish in the canton, which unites several Winterthur communities. What will you see outside? The church has a longitudinal plan with an attached bell tower and faces southeast. Its façade is dominated by a large round arch framing a statue of Christ revealing the Sacred Heart. The tower holds four bells cast by Fritz Hamm. You will find the building where Unterer Deutweg meets Zeughausstrasse. What is inside? A vestibule under the organ loft opens into the nave through three swing doors. Tall rectangular windows give the interior a warm, yellow glow. Eight stained-glass windows by Giuseppe Scartezzini date from 1934 and 1935. The semicircular wooden choir screen can be resized to suit the congregation, and changes made after Vatican II stress the communal side of the liturgy. The main organ was inaugurated in 1969, built by Mönch and Prachtel, with 33 stops on three manuals and pedal. A smaller positive organ serves quieter services. What was renovated recently? Fässler und Partner carried out a renovation in 2017 and 2018. The choir screen was gilded and the Stations of the Cross received a terracotta-style finish. How do you get there, and when should you visit? The church stands in Mattenbach, in the east of Winterthur, at roughly 47.491 N, 8.736 E. It is reachable from the centre by local transport or on foot. Service times and contact details are on the parish website, herzjesu.ch, or by phone at 052 235 03 70. Visit in daylight to see the light come through the windows and stained glass. Frequently asked questions When was Herz Jesu Mattenbach consecrated? On 28 October 1934, a little over a year after the foundation stone was laid. Who made the stained-glass windows? The eight windows from 1934–1935 are by Giuseppe Scartezzini. Is the church still in use? Yes. It is an active parish church; current service times are published at herzjesu.ch. Is this the same as other Herz Jesu churches in Switzerland? No. The name is common. This description covers the church in Winterthur-Mattenbach, canton of Zurich.

St. Otmar Pilgrimage Chapel

Eschenz

St. Otmar Pilgrimage Chapel sits on Werd island in Eschenz, canton Thurgau, right where Lake Constance narrows into the Rhine. It is among the oldest places of worship in north-eastern Switzerland and has drawn pilgrims for centuries because of one man: Abbot Otmar. Who was St. Otmar, and why is the chapel here? Otmar was the founding abbot of the monastery of St. Gallen. After losing his post through political intrigue he was banished to Werd, where he died in 759. His remains were carried to St. Gallen ten years later, and the empty grave on the island became a destination for the devout. The chapel dates from somewhere between the 9th and 11th centuries and keeps his memory alive. By 958 the island, with its house and chapel, belonged to Einsiedeln Abbey. What is there to see? The chapel was reshaped several times during the Middle Ages. Excavations in 1961–1963 uncovered the remains of a solid building from Otmar's era, which ties the site to his stay. The interior is regarded as culturally and historically outstanding, and the building appears in Thurgau's heritage inventory. Restoration work took place in 1962–1963 and again in 1998–1999. Pilgrimage here is still alive. A relic of Otmar reached Werd in 1767, giving the tradition a strong boost. Franciscans have leased the island from Einsiedeln since 1957 and have formed a convent there since 1967. How do you get there, and when should you go? Werd lies in the Rhine just upstream of Stein am Rhein and belongs to Eschenz. You walk to it from the Eschenz side. A well-known hiking route links Werd with Öhningen on the German shore, so the chapel fits neatly into a full day along the water. To catch the chapel in use, come on a Wednesday: a pilgrimage service is held at 8:00 a.m. Frequently asked questions Is the chapel on Werd island? Yes. It stands on Werd, which is part of the municipality of Eschenz in Thurgau. How old is it? Sources place it in the 9th to 11th centuries. Otmar himself died on the island in 759. Is it still in use? Yes. A pilgrimage service takes place every Wednesday at 8:00 a.m., and Franciscans live on the island. Is Werd part of Stein am Rhein? No. It belongs to Eschenz, though it lies close to Stein am Rhein, upstream of the town. When was it restored? In 1962–1963 and 1998–1999.

Stadtkirche

Stein am Rhein

Stadtkirche in Stein am Rhein is the Reformed town church of the Rhine-side old town in the canton of Schaffhausen. It started life as a medieval Benedictine abbey church and now serves as the parish church for Stein and Hemishofen. What is the Stadtkirche and where does it come from? The Romanesque church dates from the 12th century and was built for St. George's Abbey, shaped by the Hirsau reform movement. The abbey itself had moved to Stein am Rhein in 1007 at the order of King Henry II. When the Reformation arrived, the monastery was dissolved. Between 1583 and 1584 the building was converted for Protestant worship, and it has been the town's church ever since. What will you see inside and out? A Romanesque basilica, altered again in the 19th and 20th centuries. A slightly leaning tower under a slender spired roof. A second tower was taken down in 1561 after a lightning strike. 13th-century wall paintings and the burial place of the Lords of Hohenklingen, the abbey's and town's historic protectors. Choir stalls and paintings that survived the iconoclasm of the Reformation, when most of the interior was destroyed. A four-bell peal and a large Metzler organ. The parish hall, Mesmerhus, is attached directly to the church. How do you get there? The church stands on Chirchhofplatz in the middle of the old town. Cars have been banned from the centre since 1992, so walk in from the train station or the Rhine landing stage. What else is worth combining with a visit? Next door is the former St. George's Abbey, open to visitors. Stein am Rhein won the Wakkerpreis in 1972 for exemplary care of its historic fabric, and the painted house fronts reward a slow walk. Do not confuse the Stadtkirche with the Johanneskirche in the Burg district, considered the oldest church in the canton, or with the Catholic Herz-Jesu church built in 1911. When should you visit? Services take place on Sundays, when the interior is certain to be open. Mornings outside the summer season are the quietest for exploring the old town. In summer the town is busiest, though that is also when Rhine boats run. Frequently asked questions Is the Stadtkirche the former abbey church? Yes. The church of St. George's Abbey became the town church after the Reformation. Which denomination uses it? It is a Reformed church and the parish church for Stein and Hemishofen. Is there an entrance fee? No fee is listed. Check opening hours with the parish before you go. How is it different from Herz Jesu? Herz Jesu is a Catholic church from 1911, while the Stadtkirche is a medieval Reformed building with abbey origins.

St. Peter und Paul

Winterthur

St. Peter und Paul in Winterthur is a Catholic parish church in the Neuwiesen district, recognised as the first Catholic church built in the canton of Zurich after the Reformation. It stands at Wartstrasse 29a, a short walk from the city centre, and belongs to the Diocese of Chur. It suits visitors interested in Swiss religious history and nineteenth-century architecture. Why does this church matter? For centuries after the Reformation, Catholic worship was barred in Zurich and its surroundings. Winterthur's authorities, under city president Johann Jakob Sulzer (1821–1897), eventually permitted it. In 1862 the founding assembly of one of the canton's first Catholic parish associations met here. The church followed soon after, and since 1868 it has been the focal point of the Neuwiesen quarter. Winterthur now has eight Catholic parishes, and this one is often described as the mother parish. What does the building look like? The architect was Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Bareiß. The church is a single-space hall, regarded as a typical example of Zurich neo-Gothic. Original furnishings survive inside, notably the pulpit and baptismal font carved from Bernese sandstone, which heritage experts rate as works of high artistic quality. The building is listed in the inventory of monuments of supra-local importance, with protection aimed at its historic fabric and fittings. How do you get there? The church is in Neuwiesen, close to Winterthur main station, and takes only a few minutes on foot. Regional and InterCity trains link Winterthur with Zurich in about 20 minutes. What else is nearby? Neuwiesen is a quiet residential area, and Winterthur's old town, with its pedestrian Marktgasse and many museums, is within walking distance. The church fits neatly into a walk through the city's nineteenth-century growth. Can you go inside? It is a working parish church. Service times are published by the parish at kath-winterthur.ch. Keep quiet inside and avoid entering during liturgy. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is it? At Wartstrasse 29a in Winterthur's Neuwiesen district. When was it built? The parish association was founded in 1862, and since 1868 the church has been the centre of Neuwiesen. What architectural style is it? Zurich neo-Gothic, built as a hall church to a design by Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Bareiß. Is it the same as St. Peter und Paul in Zurich? No. Zurich has its own separate parish of that name on Werdgässchen. This church is in Winterthur.

Katholische Kirche Richterswil

Richterswil

The Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Richterswil (Pfarrkirche Heilige Familie) is the parish church of the lakeside town on Lake Zurich, in the canton of Zurich. Built just before the First World War, it still serves the local Catholic community and welcomes visitors looking for a quiet interior after a walk along the shore. What is the history of the church? Richterswil has a Reformed heritage, and its Catholics long belonged to the parish of neighbouring Wädenswil. Work on their own church began in 1913, with the foundation stone laid on 3 August. Architect Adolf Gaudy of Rorschach drew up the plans, and the Gebrüder Ferrari company of Wädenswil did the building. Volunteer labour from parishioners kept the project to roughly ten months. The altar painting of the Holy Family, after Murillo, was painted by Edwin Bachmann, an artist from Richterswil. The church was blessed on 14 June 1914. On 1 January 1916 Bishop Georg Schmid von Grüneck made Richterswil an independent parish. How did the building change over time? 1923: first organ, 1930: new bells cast by Fritz Hamm in Staad, 1933: two altars added, 1939: for the 25th anniversary the high altar was simplified and an eastern side aisle added, 1977–1979: major renovation after the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, led by Josef Riklin of Wädenswil; Josef Rickenbacher of Steinen designed the new furnishings (altar, ambo, tabernacle, baptismal font, a sculpture of St. Anthony), 2014: a second organ installed in the choir. The 1970s works removed the old high altar, side altars, choir stalls and wood panelling, and reopened the round "Ochsenaugen" (ox-eye) windows in the chancel. The result is a bright, restrained interior. What is worth seeing inside? Organ enthusiasts have two instruments to hear. The main organ, built by Orgelbau Kuhn in 1979, has 18 stops, two manuals and mechanical action. The choir organ was made in 1934 by Hans Eisenschmid of Munich for a church in Oberding, Bavaria; after restoration in 2012 it came to Richterswil and was inaugurated on 12 April 2014. The church also hosts the "Richterswiler Konzerte" concert series. How do I get there, and when should I visit? Richterswil sits on the rail line along the western shore of Lake Zurich, with S-Bahn services from Zurich, so no car is needed. The parish office is at Erlenstrasse 32. In recent years Sunday Mass in the parish church has been at 10:00; the current timetable is on kath-richterswil.ch. Outside services the doors are not always open, so plan your visit around a service or a concert. Frequently asked questions Is this the church of St. Joseph? No. The parish church in Richterswil is dedicated to the Holy Family (Heilige Familie). Who designed the church? Adolf Gaudy of Rorschach; construction was completed in 1914. Is there another Catholic church in Richterswil? Yes. The parish also covers Samstagern, where the new Marienkirche, built in 2012, stands. It is a separate church from the one described here. Can I hear the organs? Yes, the church runs the "Richterswiler Konzerte" series; the parish publishes the dates.

Verena Stäfa

Stäfa

St. Verena Catholic Church (Kirche St. Verena) in Stäfa is the Roman Catholic parish church of this lakeside municipality on Lake Zurich, in the canton of Zurich. It belongs to the Diocese of Chur and the Oberland deanery, and stands at Kreuzstrasse 15, 8712 Stäfa. The church was consecrated in 1948 and the parish founded in 1949. What is this church? It is a modern Catholic church built after the Second World War for the Catholic community of an area that had been Protestant since the Reformation. The dedication is deliberate: Saint Verena, linked to nearby Zurzach, has been Stäfa's patron for centuries, and she appears on the municipal coat of arms holding a comb and a water jug. Why Verena? According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, a church dedicated to Verena arose in Stäfa between 930 and 958, when the village split from the old parish network of the island of Ufenau. A Verena chapel owned by Einsiedeln Abbey is recorded around 970. Einsiedeln held the patronage until 1824, when it passed to the Zurich government. That medieval church is now Reformed. The Catholic parish took over the dedication, but its building is a separate and much younger one. What will you see inside? The highlight is the set of stained-glass windows by Dan Rubinstein, in place since 2003. They show scenes from the Old Testament and are listed by zuerich.com as a sight in the region. For anyone interested in modern sacred art, they are the main reason to step inside. How do you get there? Stäfa sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Zurich, roughly 20 km from central Zurich. S-Bahn trains run along the right-hand lakeshore from Zurich, and the church is a short walk through the town from the station. Coordinates are about 47.240 N, 8.727 E. When should you visit? This is a working parish, so aim for times outside services. Check the Stäfa Catholic parish website for current service and opening hours. Late spring to early autumn is the most pleasant season, when a visit pairs easily with a lakeside stroll or a boat trip to Ufenau. What else is nearby? The island of Ufenau, with its two ancient churches, lies just offshore. In Stäfa itself, look at the old Reformed church by the lake, whose lower tower is Romanesque and whose tower was rebuilt in 1835–1837. The municipality also provides information boards on local history. Frequently asked questions Is St. Verena in Stäfa an active church? Yes, it is a functioning Catholic parish with regular services. Is it the tenth-century Verena church? No. The old Verena church is now Reformed. The Catholic church was only consecrated in 1948. What makes the interior special? Dan Rubinstein's Old Testament stained-glass windows, installed since 2003. Where exactly is it? At Kreuzstrasse 15 in Stäfa, canton of Zurich, close to Lake Zurich.

Reformierte Kirche mit Pfarrhaus

Stäfa

The Reformed Church with Rectory in Stäfa is a heritage ensemble on a hill above the village of Stäfa, on the northern shore of Lake Zurich in the canton of Zurich. The church and the rectory in front of it are protected monuments, and the hill, known locally as Chirchbül, marks the village skyline. What will you see in Stäfa? The building has several historical layers. A Romanesque church stood here in the 12th century. Around 1280 a Gothic choir was added at the base of the tower; it still stands and now serves as a prayer room. The present nave is a hall-type church under a hipped roof, reworked in 1788. Inside, a flat barrel vault carries Neoclassical stucco cartouches, and a gallery rests on four Corinthian columns. The stained glass is mostly ornamental, and the Kuhn organ dates from 1959. The upper part of the tower was rebuilt in the 1830s. The belfry with tall paired openings and the slender Neo-Renaissance spire are credited to the architect Ferdinand Stadler, 1838. What about the rectory next door? The rectory in front of the church dates from 1563-64: a two-storey rendered building with a gabled roof. It is one of the oldest surviving parts of the complex. Together, church and rectory form a courtyard on the hilltop, beside the cemetery and school buildings. How do you get there? Stäfa lies on the S7 and S15 lines of the Zurich S-Bahn on the right bank of the lake, about half an hour from Zurich. From the station, walk uphill through the village to the church hill. Coordinates: 47.239 N, 8.731 E. When should you visit? Come during the day, ideally on a clear afternoon, when the lake is visible from around the hill. Check the local parish for interior opening hours, since the church serves an active Reformed congregation and is often closed outside services and events. Frequently asked questions Is the Stäfa church a listed monument? Yes, the ensemble is among the protected heritage objects of the canton of Zurich. How old is the church? Its origins are Romanesque, the Gothic tower choir dates from about 1280, and the current nave from the late 18th century. Who designed the belfry and spire? Ferdinand Stadler, in 1838, in Neo-Renaissance form. Can visitors enter the rectory? The rectory is a parish building, so it is viewed from outside.

Stadtkirche Winterthur

Stadtkirche Winterthur is the Reformed town church in the old town of Winterthur, in the canton of Zurich. Its tall tower rises above the rooftops of the centre, and the building ranks as a cultural property of national significance in Switzerland. It pairs a historic interior with one of the best viewpoints over the city. What is the history of the Stadtkirche? The church is first recorded in 1244 as a modest parish church dedicated to St. Laurence. It became a collegiate church in 1264 and passed to Protestant use around 1520 during the Reformation. Excavations carried out between 1980 and 1983 revealed even earlier religious buildings on the site and clarified how the church was built over time; a study of the findings appeared in 1993. What can you see inside and on the tower? The interior is known for paintings and stained glass by Giacometti. Burial vaults lie beneath the church and can be seen on guided visits. The bells were cast in 1869 by Jakob II Keller of Zurich-Unterstrass and are split between the two towers. It was among the first sets in Switzerland mounted on cast-iron yokes, and the largest bell weighs roughly 4 tonnes. Most visitors come for the north tower, about 50 metres up. A climb of 208 steep steps ends in a view across the old town. How do you visit? The tower climb calls for good fitness and a head for heights, and it is not suitable for children under 6. You can reach it on a roughly two-hour old-town tour that starts at the tourist information desk in the main station. A separate guided visit covers the church interior, the crypts, the paintings and the windows, though dates are limited. Check opening hours with the Reformed parish of Winterthur or the tourist office. How do you get there? The church stands in the pedestrian old town of Winterthur, a few minutes on foot from the main station. Trains from Zurich run to Winterthur, and you finish the trip on foot. Coordinates: 47.499 N, 8.729 E. Frequently asked questions Can you climb the Stadtkirche tower? Yes, the north tower is open to visitors, usually as part of an organised tour. Expect 208 steps. When was the church built? It is first mentioned in 1244, and the Reformation made it Protestant around 1520. Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it is a cultural property of national significance. Is it suitable for children? Keep children under 6 off the tower. The church interior has no such limit.

Reformierte Kirche Richterswil

Reformierte Kirche Richterswil is the Swiss Reformed parish church of Richterswil, a municipality in the canton of Zurich on the left shore of Lake Zurich. The building you see today dates from the early 20th century, yet the parish itself goes back to the Middle Ages. What is the history of the church? The first record is a church of St. Martin in 1265, then held by the lords of Wädenswil. Its dedication and parish area suggest an even earlier foundation. Until the Reformation in 1529 the parish included part of Wollerau, and until 1703 also Hütten. The older church was altered several times: the choir and tower were reworked in 1472, and a new nave went up in 1717. In 1905 the former Reformed church was replaced by the building that stands today. What can you see here? The church sits in the village centre close to the lakefront, so it pairs easily with a stroll around Richterswil. Its bells are worth noting. The largest, weighing about 3,000 kg, was cast in 1873 by the Bodmer foundry of Neftenbach, while three smaller bells date from 1944 and come from Rüetschi in Aarau. The ring was featured in a Swiss radio series on church bells. How do you get there? Richterswil lies on the railway line along the lake's left shore, roughly 30 km from Zurich, and is reached by S-Bahn. The church is a short walk from the station. Coordinates: 47.2082 N, 8.7008 E. If you drive, check local car parks in the centre. When should you visit? Daytime is best. Opening hours and service times are published by the Reformed parish of Richterswil; outside services the interior may be closed. In spring and summer a visit combines nicely with a lakeside walk. Frequently asked questions Is this the same church as the one in Wädenswil? No. Wädenswil has its own church built in 1764–1767. Richterswil is a separate parish, historically tied to the lords of Wädenswil. When was the current building erected? In 1905, replacing an older Reformed church. What denomination is it? Swiss Reformed. Richterswil's Catholic church was built only in 1914. Is there an entrance fee? No fee is documented; check access times with the parish.

Heilig-Kreuz

Zürich

Heilig Kreuz church in Zurich is a Roman Catholic parish church on Saumackerstrasse in the western part of the city, in the Altstetten district (postcode 8048). It dates from the late 1970s and shows how Swiss parish churches were built in the postwar decades. Where is Heilig Kreuz and how do you get there? The church stands at Saumackerstrasse 81b, with the parish office listed at number 83. It lies west of the city centre, around 47.384 N, 8.488 E. The parish pilgrimage starts at Altstetten railway station, the area's main transport hub, so that is a sensible orientation point. Check the Zurich public transport timetable for your route before you set out. Who designed it and when was it built? The Bern inventory of Zurich's sacred buildings gives the construction years as 1978–1979 and names Dezsö Ercsi as the architect. The same entry also records an original design, a later redesign and an earlier church that stood on the site, so the present building replaced an older one. For architectural detail, the inventory points to "Katholische Kirchen Zürich" (2014, pp. 198–199) and to Boll (1979). Which community does it belong to? The church belongs to the Diocese of Chur and the deanery of the city of Zurich. The Heilig Kreuz parish runs its own website, heiligkreuz-zuerich.ch, and a parish foundation registered in 2017 whose stated purpose is to enable regular worship for the parish's Catholics. When are services held? According to a directory from October 2024, Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 10:00, on Saturday evening at 17:30 and on Tuesdays at 8:30. Times can change, so confirm the current schedule in the parish announcements. During services, keep any sightseeing to a quiet look at the interior. Who should visit? Heilig Kreuz is not a postcard landmark. It is a working neighbourhood church, of interest to people following late 20th-century sacred architecture and to Catholics looking for Mass in Altstetten. If you are nearby, drop in outside service times, provided the doors are open. Frequently asked questions When was Heilig Kreuz in Zurich built? In 1978–1979, according to the inventory of Zurich's sacred buildings. Who was the architect? Dezsö Ercsi. Where exactly is it? At Saumackerstrasse 81b in Zurich, in the Altstetten district (8048). Is there Sunday Mass? Yes. An October 2024 directory lists 10:00 on Sunday and 17:30 on Saturday evening. Check the parish for current times.