Sacred Monuments in Switzerland

St. Josef Catholic Church

Zürich

St. Josef Catholic Church (Kirche St. Josef) in Zurich is a Roman Catholic parish church in the Industriequartier, part of Kreis 5 close to the city centre. It went up between 1912 and 1914 and still serves the St. Josef parish, which belongs to the Stadt Zürich deanery of the Diocese of Chur. Where is St. Josef church in Zurich? The address is Röntgenstrasse 80, 8005 Zürich, in Kreis 5. The district was laid out as an industrial quarter from around 1850 and kept its working-class character for decades. The church stands at roughly 47.387 N, 8.528 E. Beside it is a parish house dating from 1904, older than the church itself. What does the building look like? Three features stand out: a heavy, curving roof, an undulating façade and a tower topped with an onion dome. The parish says these forms follow models from central Switzerland (Innerschweiz). Among the former tenements and factory buildings around it, the baroque-flavoured silhouette is easy to spot. What is the church's history? Zurich's first Catholic church in the area, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, dates from 1874. As workers poured into the Industriequartier, another centre was needed. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland lists St. Josef among the Catholic churches of the former municipality of Aussersihl and gives 1914. The parish marked its centenary with anniversary magazines in 2014 and 2019. The organ, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018, dates from about 1968. What should you know before visiting? This is a working church, so plan around services. Masses take place on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings, with additional Sunday Masses for the Croatian mission. The rosary is prayed on Friday evenings, and confession is offered on Saturday afternoons. Children aged 3 to 8 have their own Sunday programme, "Feiern für die Kleinen". A 360° virtual tour of the interior is available on the parish website. Frequently asked questions When was St. Josef church in Zurich built? Construction ran from 1912 to 1914. Where exactly is it? At Röntgenstrasse 80 in Kreis 5, in the Industriequartier. Can visitors go inside? Yes, it is an active parish church. Services are the most dependable time to enter; schedules are listed at stjosef-zuerich.ch. Are Masses held in other languages? Yes, a Mass for the Croatian mission is held on Sundays.

Catholic Trinity Church

Bern

The Church of the Holy Trinity (Dreifaltigkeitskirche) in Bern is a Catholic basilica on Taubenstrasse, in the centre of the Swiss capital. A late 19th-century Neo-Romanesque building, it stands out for its tall flanking tower and its richly painted interior. What is this church, and who built it? The church went up between 1896 and 1898 to designs by Heinrich Viktor von Segesser, an architect from Lucerne. It was only the second Roman Catholic church in Bern since the Reformation, a reminder of how long Protestantism shaped the city. Segesser also designed the neighbouring parish house at Taubenstrasse 4. In 1956 the church was named a minor basilica. What does the exterior look like? The building is a three-aisled Neo-Romanesque basilica with a choir ending in three apses and a high tower beside the nave. Its floor plan and elevation follow the basilica of San Zeno in Verona, so anyone who knows Romanesque churches in northern Italy will spot the influence. What will you see inside? The interior took decades to complete. Alois Balmer painted the Trinity in the main apse in 1903, wall paintings followed in 1912-13, and August Müller-Warth finished the decoration of the central nave in 1921-22. After restoration attempts between 2003 and 2007, the artist Jörg Niederberger reshaped the side aisles and the apse semi-dome, so older and contemporary layers of decoration now sit together. Music lovers should look at the organs. The large Mathis instrument from 1980 has three manuals and pedals, and Marco Fratti built the choir organ in 2008. Concerts are held here from time to time; the parish website kathbern.ch lists current dates. How should you plan a visit? This is a working church, so it is best to visit outside service times and to keep quiet and dress modestly. Its central location makes it easy to combine with a walk through the old town and the area around the Federal Palace. Twenty to thirty minutes is enough for a look around, and more if you want to study the paintings and organs. Frequently asked questions When was the Holy Trinity Church in Bern built? Construction ran from 1896 to 1898, but the interior painting was only completed in 1921-22. Who designed the church? Heinrich Viktor von Segesser of Lucerne, who also designed the nearby parish house. Which church served as its model? The plan and elevation echo the basilica of San Zeno in Verona. Does the church have basilica status? Yes, it was named a minor basilica in 1956.

Felix Regula Thalwil

Thalwil

Felix und Regula Church in Thalwil is a Roman Catholic church on Sihlhaldenstrasse in Thalwil, a lakeside town in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. It belongs to the Diocese of Chur (Albis deanery) and is dedicated to Felix and Regula, the patron saints of Zurich. What makes this church stand out? Thalwil has long been a mostly Reformed town, and its Catholic parish only got its own church late in the 19th century. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, the church dates from 1899, and the tower was added in 1924. The tower is the feature that sets the building apart from its surroundings. What will you see and hear? The bells are the main curiosity. Five bells were cast in 1959 by H. Rüetschi of Aarau, named for the Trinity, Felix and Regula, Mary, Joseph and the Guardian Angel. Swiss radio SRF, in its "Glocken der Heimat" series, describes the set as the lowest-pitched peal in the canton of Zurich. If you pass on the hour or before a service, it is worth pausing to listen. Who were Felix and Regula? According to legend, Felix and Regula were siblings martyred in Zurich who became the city's patron saints. A larger church in Zurich itself carries the same dedication, but it is a different building from the one in Thalwil. How do you get there? Thalwil sits on the lake on the railway line from Zurich, with frequent regional and S-Bahn trains. The church stands on Sihlhaldenstrasse at roughly 47.297 N, 8.559 E, within walking distance of the town centre. Who owns the church today? In 2020 the St. Felix- und Regula-Stiftung was set up and took over ownership and upkeep of the church on Sihlhaldenstrasse and related properties, including the rectory. The church continues to serve the Catholic community of the Thalwil-Rüschlikon church district. When should you visit? Daytime outside service hours is best. This is a working church, so keep quiet and dress modestly. Check the parish website for current Mass times. A visit pairs easily with a walk along the lake. Frequently asked questions Is this the same church as Felix und Regula in Zurich? No. Zurich has its own church with this dedication. The Thalwil church is a separate building, completed in 1899. When was the tower added? In 1924, according to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland. What is the highlight of the church? Its five bells from 1959, said to be the lowest-pitched peal in the canton of Zurich. Is the church open to visitors? It is an active Catholic church, so plan your visit around services.

synagogue

Berno

The Synagogue of Bern is the main Jewish house of worship in the Swiss capital, standing at Kapellenstrasse 2 in the Monbijou district, close to the city centre. Its Moorish-Oriental design is unique among Bern's religious buildings, and it serves as the home of the Jewish Community of Bern (Jüdische Gemeinde Bern). What makes Bern's synagogue special? Bern's present Jewish community dates to 1848, when Jews from Alsace settled in the city; it was first known as the Israelitische Korporation. From 1855 until 1906 the congregation worshipped in a synagogue in the upper Old Town, around today's Genfergasse 11. As the community grew, including newcomers from Eastern Europe (roughly 1,000 Jews lived in the area around 1910), it needed a larger building. The new synagogue went up in 1905–1906, designed by Eduard Rybi together with his son of the same name. Bern's heritage inventory calls it a valuable building and one of a kind in the city, noting its colourfulness and an unusual architectural vocabulary with clear Oriental influences. Features of the facade include a gable, a round window and a crenellated-looking roofline. What stands next to it? A newer annex on the west side, built in 1969–1971 to a design by Alfred Bürki, replaced the old community house, which was demolished in 1969. Its concrete-grid facade contrasts sharply with the colourful older sanctuary. Today the complex works as both synagogue and community centre. How do I get to Kapellenstrasse 2? The synagogue is in Monbijou, a short walk or tram/bus ride from the railway station and the centre (coordinates roughly 46.944 N, 7.438 E). The address is Kapellenstrasse 2, 3011 Bern. Can I visit the interior? It is an active place of worship, so interior visits depend on arrangement with the community. Check jgb.ch or call +41 31 381 49 92 before you go to ask about access and security rules. The exterior can be admired from the street at any time. Frequently asked questions When was Bern's synagogue built? In 1905–1906; some sources give 1906 as the opening year. Who designed it? Eduard Rybi with his son. The western annex of 1969–1971 is the work of Alfred Bürki. What style is the building? Moorish-Oriental, which in Bern appears nowhere else, although similar styles occur in other Swiss synagogues. Where was the earlier synagogue? In the upper Old Town, around Genfergasse 11, from 1855 to 1906.

Reformierte Kirche Thalwil

Thalwil

Reformierte Kirche Thalwil (the Reformed Church of Thalwil) is a classicist Protestant church on the shore of Lake Zurich in the canton of Zurich. It sits on a rocky rise known as the "Platte", so it is visible from the water and from across the lake. Switzerland counts it among its major classicist church buildings, and it is a protected monument. What is the history of the church? A church in Thalwil is first recorded in 1159, when the village appears in a document as "tellowilare". The patron saint is St Martin. The present building went up in 1846–1847 to replace an older church, designed by Hans Ulrich Schmid and Ferdinand Stadler. In 1943 a fire gutted the interior, and reconstruction lasted until 1946. The tower received a new concrete top in the process. What will you see inside and out? The plan is a Greek cross, making it a "Querkirche" where seating is gathered around a central space. Tall round-arched windows pierce the facades, and a dentil frieze runs beneath the eaves. A porch with two Ionic columns shelters the entrance. Inside, look for the stained-glass windows by Max Hunziker (1946) and the side and rear galleries, which hold about 450 people. What about the organs and bells? The church has two full-size organs. The Kuhn organ of 1946 (49 stops) stands in the choir and has a French-style sound; it replaced a 1913 Goll organ lost in the fire. The second is an 1865 instrument by Friedrich Haas, returned to the church and installed on the gallery in 1992 after the 1989–1992 interior renovation. It is the last work of its builder and the only one largely preserved in its original form. Five bells hang in the tower, cast in 1946 by H. Rüetschi AG of Aargau. How do you get there? Thalwil lies on the western lakeshore, roughly 15 km south of central Zurich, and has its own railway station on the lakeside line. The church stands on the hillside above the centre, near 47.290 N, 8.569 E. From the station it is a short walk uphill through the village streets. When is the best time to visit? This is a working parish church, so the easiest way inside is a concert or service. Check the parish calendar in Thalwil before you go. Daylight shows the interior best, as it passes through the stained glass. The grounds offer a view over the lake. Frequently asked questions Who designed the church? Hans Ulrich Schmid and Ferdinand Stadler. Construction finished in 1847. Is it the oldest church in Thalwil? Worship has taken place here since the Middle Ages, with a first mention in 1159. The current building dates from the mid-19th century and was rebuilt after the 1943 fire. How many organs does it have? Two: the 1946 Kuhn organ in the choir and the 1865 Haas organ on the gallery. Is the church a listed monument? Yes. It is protected and regarded as an important example of Swiss classicist architecture.

Reformierte Kirche Maur

Maur

Reformierte Kirche Maur is the Swiss Reformed parish church of Maur, a municipality in the canton of Zurich on the shore of Lake Greifensee. The building dates from the early 16th century, but the spot has been used far longer: excavations beneath it turned up traces of earlier places of worship and even Roman masonry. What is the history of the church? The present church was built between 1507 and 1512. Work began with the tower, followed by the choir and nave, and the project was finished in 1512. It replaced a Romanesque church from around 1200, which in turn had succeeded two early medieval buildings. Archaeologists found Roman wall remains under the church and early medieval burial grounds around the site. The municipality states that the Maur church appears in a document from 963 and that the site was in religious use as early as the 7th century. In the 19th century the tower received a neo-Gothic renovation. A clock mechanism was added in 1537, though it had only a single hour hand; a two-handed clock face arrived in 1920. In 2011 the village marked the church's 500th anniversary with a three-day celebration. What will you see? The late Gothic church with its tower is a landmark of the village. For anyone interested in local history, it is a place where layers from the Roman era to the Reformation sit one on top of another. The church is in active parish use, so the interior is usually open during services and parish events. Check ref-maur.ch for current times. How do you get to Maur? Maur lies on the eastern side of Greifensee, about 10 km east of Zurich. You can reach it by bus or car, and the area suits walkers and cyclists thanks to a signposted path around the lake. The church sits at roughly 47.3378° N, 8.6727° E. When should you visit? Late spring to early autumn is the most pleasant time, when a church stop combines easily with a lakeside walk. The visit itself takes 20 to 30 minutes, not counting any time on the shoreline. Frequently asked questions When was the church in Maur built? The current building dates from 1507 to 1512 and stands on the site of older churches. Is the church open to visitors? It is a working parish church, so the best chance of getting inside is during services or events. The parish publishes the schedule. Is it the same as the church in the town of Greifensee? No. The Reformed church in Greifensee town is a separate Gothic building from around 1340 on the other side of the lake. What else is nearby? The Greifensee shoreline and the walking and cycling routes around the lake.

Bellwald parish church

Bellwald parish church (Pfarrkirche Maria Sieben Freuden) sits at the edge of the old village centre of Bellwald, in the Goms district of Upper Valais, Switzerland. It is a baroque church dedicated to the Seven Joys of Mary, and it marks the moment Bellwald became a parish of its own. What is the history of the church? Villagers originally belonged to the parish of nearby Ernen. Bellwald gained its own parish in 1697, and the new church of the Seven Joys of Mary was built as part of that step. Sources point to construction in 1697–1698, although one archive caption gives 1694. Bishop Franz Joseph Supersaxo consecrated it on 10 September 1704. The right of patronage stayed with the mother church in Ernen until 1884. A small chapel of the Holy Family had stood on the site earlier. What will you see? The church belongs to the baroque tradition that flourished in Goms, a valley long known for Catholic sacred art. Look at the shingle-roofed tower: lightning struck it twice. In 1870 it hit during vespers and killed two people; in 1973 the cross toppled and the roof caught fire, but firefighters put it out. The church was renovated in 1976 following plans from the Swiss heritage authorities. Nearby stands the village ossuary chapel (Beinhaus), built in 1733–1734 and restored together with the church in 1976–1977. How to visit The church lies beside the historic part of the village, so it combines easily with a stroll through Bellwald. Its coordinates are roughly 46.4236 N, 8.1600 E. Check bellwald.ch for opening hours and service times. It is a working parish church, so avoid walking around the interior during Mass. Frequently asked questions Who is the Bellwald church dedicated to? It is dedicated to the Seven Joys of Mary (Maria Sieben Freuden). When was it built? Construction is linked to the creation of the parish in 1697, and the church was consecrated in 1704. Was there an earlier church on the site? A small Holy Family chapel stood there before the present building. What else is worth seeing nearby? The 18th-century ossuary chapel, plus other churches and chapels of Goms covered in local guides to the valley's sacred art.

Reformierte Kirche mit Pfarrhaus

Thierachern

The Reformed Church with rectory in Thierachern is a listed ensemble in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, in a municipality less than five kilometres from the centre of Thun. The church has medieval roots and took its present form in an early 18th-century rebuild. What is the history of Thierachern church? St. Martin's church (Martinskirche) is first recorded in 1228 and counts among the twelve Lake Thun churches named in the Strättligen chronicle. The original building was a Romanesque hall with an apse. Between 1706 and 1708 the architect Abraham Dünz the Younger enlarged it into the church visitors see now. Patronage of the church passed through several owners before the city of Bern acquired it in 1773. The parish took in Uetendorf in 1578 and Pohlern in 1922. What will you see? The church and the neighbouring rectory (Pfarrhaus) form one architectural ensemble. It suits anyone interested in rural Reformed church architecture from the Dünz period and the parish buildings that go with it. The site sits at around 610 m above sea level in a municipality with no single compact village centre; it is made up of Wahlen, Dorf, upper, middle and lower Schwand, and Brügg. How do you get to Thierachern? The village lies on the left bank of the Aare, just beyond Thun, under 5 km from the town centre. The postcode is 3634. Thun makes a practical base, and a visit combines easily with a Lake Thun boat trip or a stroll through Thun's old town. What else is worth knowing about the municipality? Thierachern has about 2,600 residents and covers 7.5 km². In 1841 it sold roughly 23% of its area, common pasture, to the Swiss Confederation for the Thun military training ground. The area remains semi-rural, and most working residents commute elsewhere. The municipality is twinned with Sezimovo Ústí in the Czech Republic. When should you visit? Daytime works best, as part of a walk around the Thun area. Spring and early autumn give good light and mild weather for walking the country lanes. The interior is typically open during services and parish events, so check the parish's information before you go. Frequently asked questions When was the church in Thierachern built? It is first mentioned in 1228; the present building dates from 1706–1708. Who rebuilt the church? Abraham Dünz the Younger, who enlarged the earlier Romanesque apse hall. How far is it from Thun? Under 5 km. Who is the church dedicated to? St. Martin; its historical name is Martinskirche.

Motty

Ecublens (VD)

The Reformed Church of Le Motty in Ecublens (canton of Vaud) is the old parish church of a municipality just west of Lausanne, and one of the oldest sites in the area. The Swiss inventory of cultural property (KGS no. 06484) lists it, and its story runs back to Roman times. What is Le Motty? Le Motty is the hamlet that served for centuries as the administrative and religious centre of Ecublens. The commune also takes in Renges, Bassenges, Villars, Epenex and the Dorigny estate. The place name first appears around 958–959, and again in 964 in a record about the property of Lausanne Cathedral. The church sits outside the old village core, on the rise that gave the district its name. How old is the church? The site was in use long before the present building. A Roman mausoleum stood here, and from the 5th–6th century a series of churches replaced one another on the spot. A church dedicated to the Virgin Mary is recorded as early as 885. The core of today's structure dates from around 1200. The bell tower was reworked in 1630–1631, and north arcades added in 1910–1913 enlarged the nave. Sources also mention a chapel of 1156 belonging to the priory of Saint-Sulpice and a parish church of St Peter recorded in 1228. What will you see? A medieval church body with additions from several centuries. A bell tower with 17th-century alterations. Early 20th-century arcades on the north side. Nearby history: a motte (earthen castle mound of uncertain date) in the commune, and the Loys manor at Dorigny, built around 1770. How do you get there? Ecublens lies in the Lausanne urban area between Lausanne and Renens, next to the EPFL and University of Lausanne campuses. From central Lausanne it is typically a short trip by public transport or car. The church stands at roughly 46.526 N, 6.562 E, an easy walk from the centre of Ecublens. When should you visit? Daylight hours from spring to autumn suit a walk around the commune and the church exterior, which you can see at any time. Inside, a Reformed parish church is mainly open for services and parish events, so check the parish's notices before planning a visit. Who is it for? The church suits readers of archaeology and church architecture, and anyone looking for a quieter corner of the Lausanne region. The stop is short, so it combines easily with a day at EPFL or on Lake Geneva. Frequently asked questions Is Le Motty a church or a village? Both names are in use. Le Motty is the hamlet in Ecublens, and the Reformed church is commonly named after it. How old is the building? The present structure dates from about 1200. A church of St Mary is recorded from 885, and Roman mausoleum remains lie beneath. Is it the same as the Château de la Motte? No. That is a separate archaeological site in the commune, the remains of a motte of uncertain date. Is there an entrance fee? No fee information is published. Opening times are set by the parish.

Temple de Dombresson

Dombresson

Temple de Dombresson is the Reformed Protestant church of Dombresson, a village now part of the municipality of Val-de-Ruz in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. It stands at 47.07286 N, 6.96053 E, in the Val-de-Ruz valley between the Jura ridges and Lake Neuchâtel. What kind of building is it? In French-speaking Switzerland a Protestant church is called a "temple". This one serves the local Reformed parish. The village is covered by the federal ISOS inventory of sites worth protecting, and the Swiss Federal Archives hold files on work done to the building: a report on restoring the tower (1964–1969) and a dossier on the temple (1971–1998). How old is the parish? Dombresson first appears in records in 1178 as "ecclesiam de Danbrizun". The parish was dedicated to Saint Brice and once also covered Savagnier (until 1876), Villiers and Le Pâquier. Patronage belonged first to the collegiate church of Saint-Imier, then from 1530 to the town of Biel/Bienne. Biel favoured the Reformation and brought it to Dombresson in 1531. René de Challant bought the patronage rights in 1552. What happened to the church? According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, the 17th-century temple burned down in 1994 and was rebuilt afterwards. What you see today is therefore a reconstruction, not an untouched survivor of three centuries. Earlier decades had already brought several conservation campaigns on the tower and interior. What is the village like? Dombresson is a quiet farming village where cereal growing and cattle were joined by small watchmaking workshops. It had 145 inhabitants in 1531 and more than 1,500 by 2000. Since 1804 the village has owned the Frienisberg alpine pasture on Chasseral, the mountain visible across the valley. A visit to the temple combines easily with a walk through the village and a trip towards that range. When should you visit? Daytime from spring to autumn is best, when the valley is green and Chasseral is walkable. Service times are published by the Reformed parish of Val-de-Ruz. Outside services the interior is not always open, so the exterior and tower are best seen from the street. Frequently asked questions Where is Temple de Dombresson? In Dombresson, municipality of Val-de-Ruz, canton of Neuchâtel, western Switzerland. Is the church historic? The 17th-century temple burned in 1994 and was rebuilt. The village itself is listed in the ISOS inventory. Who was the parish dedicated to? Saint Brice. It adopted the Reformation in 1531. Is it a Catholic church? No. It is a Protestant temple of the Reformed community.

Grossmünster

Zürich

Grossmünster in Zürich is a Romanesque Reformed church on the banks of the Limmat, and its twin towers define the skyline of the old town. Building began around 1100 and the church was consecrated around 1220. It stands on the site of an earlier Carolingian church, which legend says was founded on the orders of Charlemagne. It is one of the four major churches in the city. Why does the Grossmünster matter? In 1519 Huldrych Zwingli took up the preaching post here, and the Swiss Reformation grew out of this church. Today the congregation belongs to the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Zürich. The building is as important for the history of European religion as it is for architecture. What will you see inside? The interior is plain, as in most Reformed churches: no side altars and no Baroque splendour. The exceptions are the modern stained-glass windows. Augusto Giacometti designed one set in the early 1930s, and Sigmar Polke created another, using thin slices of agate and other stones instead of coloured glass. Head down to the crypt, where a stone figure of Charlemagne recalls the founding legend. Next to the church is a 12th-century Romanesque cloister, a quiet spot for a short break. What is the view from the tower like? A narrow staircase leads up the tower, and at the top you get a panorama of the old-town rooftops, the Limmat, Lake Zürich and, on clear days, the Alps. The towers carry neo-Gothic spires that replaced wooden tops destroyed by a fire in 1781. Climbing is ticketed and depends on opening hours, so check them on the day of your visit. How do you get there? The church is in the heart of the city on the east bank of the Limmat, in the Niederdorf district. From Zürich main station it is a walk of about 15 minutes across the river. You can also take a tram to Helmhaus or Rathaus and walk a few minutes uphill through the lanes. When should you visit? Go in the morning, when it is quieter inside and the light plays nicely through the windows. The tower view is best on clear days, especially in spring and autumn when the air is crisp. Combine the visit with a stroll through Niederdorf and along the river embankment. Frequently asked questions Is entry to the Grossmünster free? You can enter the church free of charge; only the tower climb is ticketed. Who started the Reformation here? Huldrych Zwingli, who preached in this church from 1519 and reshaped religious life in Zürich. Heinrich Bullinger succeeded him and carried the reform forward. How long does a visit take? About an hour covers the interior, crypt and cloister, and the tower adds another half hour. Allow an hour and a half if you want to study the windows and take photos from the top. Does the church have modern stained glass? Yes. You will find work by Augusto Giacometti and Sigmar Polke's windows made of thin agate slices.

Saint-Martin reformed church

Lutry

Saint-Martin Reformed Church (Temple de Lutry) is the main historic church of Lutry, a lakeside town in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It stands in the old centre a few minutes from the harbour, at the edge of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Locals simply call it "Le Temple". What is the history of the church? The building goes back to the Middle Ages. It was the church of a Benedictine priory that depended on the abbey of Savigny near Lyon, and it was dedicated to Saint Martin. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (HLS), an 11th-century building was partly rebuilt around 1250-1260. After a fire in 1344, the church was rebuilt in the Gothic style. In 1536 Protestant Bern conquered Vaud and Lutry turned to the Reformation. The priory church became a Reformed place of worship and the monastic community lost its role. The bell tower dates from 1542-1543, in the early years of Bernese rule. Around 1570 the west facade received its Renaissance form, and between 1569 and 1591 the building was enlarged and renovated. The last major restoration ran from 1889 to 1907. What can you see there? Start outside. The Renaissance west front and the 16th-century tower show how a Gothic priory church was adapted for a Reformed congregation. Inside, the layout is plain, as in most Protestant churches, with no elaborate altars. The surroundings are worth as much attention as the church. Lutry keeps a compact old town of narrow lanes and winegrowers' houses, and the church is a natural landmark for a stroll. From the higher streets, among the vineyard terraces, you can see the lake and the mountains on the French side. How do you get to Lutry? Lutry lies just east of Lausanne. Regional trains from Lausanne take a few minutes, and local buses or a drive along the lake road also work. The church is in the town centre, so it is a short walk from the station or the lakefront. Parking in the centre is limited, so it is easier to leave a car on the outskirts. When is the best time to visit? The building works first of all as a parish church, so access to the interior depends on services and local events. You can view the exterior at any time. Spring and early autumn are the best seasons. Winter days are short, while during the autumn grape harvest the Lavaux slopes look their best and a walk from the church up to the terraces is easy to combine with a tasting at a local winery. What else is nearby? The harbour and lakeside promenade, a short walk from the church. The Lavaux vineyards and walking paths towards Cully and Villette. Lausanne, with its cathedral and the Olympic Museum, reachable by train. Frequently asked questions Is Saint-Martin in Lutry a Catholic church? No. Since 1536, when Bern took over Vaud, it has been a Reformed church, which is why it is called a "temple". How old is the building? The oldest parts date to the Middle Ages (11th century according to the HLS). The present form results from rebuilding in the 13th, 14th and 16th centuries and a restoration around 1900. Is there an entrance fee? It is a working parish church. Check opening times for the interior with the parish or the Lutry tourist office before your visit. Can I combine the visit with the Lavaux vineyards? Yes. Lutry is one of the gateways to Lavaux, and walking paths start right beyond the old town.

Saint-Pierre

Val-de-Travers

Saint-Pierre in Môtiers (municipality of Val-de-Travers, canton of Neuchâtel) is a former church, now a Protestant temple, standing on the site of a medieval priory that shaped life across the whole valley for centuries. What is this place and where does it come from? Tradition dates the founding of the Saint-Pierre priory in Môtiers to somewhere between 909 and 1032, credited to monks from Cluny Abbey together with a Burgundian king. Excavations in 1997 uncovered foundations of an even earlier church, dated to the 7th or 8th century. Over time, local lords and then the counts of Neuchâtel took over the priory's authority in the area. What will you see? The building layers several periods. The choir was rebuilt around 1259 and still carries traces of a Romanesque layout. A chapel of Saint George is recorded here in the mid-14th century. Digs in 1960 revealed a Romanesque semicircular choir belonging to a neighbouring parish church dedicated to Notre-Dame, built in the 12th century. In 1668 the old Saint-Pierre bell tower was pulled down and a sturdy tower attached to the temple took its place; it is the one you see today. How did it become a Protestant temple? In the early 15th century the Môtiers parish covered the entire lower valley, with branch chapels at Travers, Saint-Sulpice and Buttes. In 1538, during the Reformation, residents tried to resist the conversion of the Saint-Pierre church into a grain store. The building lost its older worship furnishings and became a Protestant temple. In 1654 the communities that owned it ended burials inside. How do you get there? Môtiers lies in the Val-de-Travers on the rail line from Neuchâtel towards Pontarlier. From the station in the village centre it is a few minutes' walk to the church. Interior access depends on services and parish events, so the surest way to see the building is from outside and from the surrounding square. Coordinates: 46.912 N, 6.612 E. When should you go? Late spring to autumn is best, when the valley is green and strolling around Môtiers is pleasant. In winter the area is often snowy, which adds atmosphere but makes road travel harder. Frequently asked questions Is Saint-Pierre in Môtiers a Catholic church today? No. Since the Reformation the building has served as a Protestant temple. Can you go inside? That depends on service times and parish events. The exterior and the tower can be viewed at any time. How old is it? The priory dates to the 10th–11th century by tradition, the foundations of an earlier church are tied to the 7th or 8th century, and the choir comes from around 1259. Is it the same church as Notre-Dame? No. Notre-Dame was the former parish church built beside the priory; sources tie both dedications to the history of the same site.

Neumünsterkirche

Zürich

Neumünsterkirche in Zürich is a Reformed church built between 1836 and 1839 on the Zelgli hill in the Riesbach district, at Neumünsterstrasse 10, just southwest of Hegibachplatz. Its broad stairway and slim clock tower make it an easy landmark to spot above the lakeside neighbourhood. Why was it built? Riesbach residents originally belonged to the Grossmünster parish and, from 1611, used a branch chapel. The independent Neumünster parish was founded in 1834, covering Riesbach, Hirslanden and Hottingen. The city walls came down the same year and the suburb grew quickly. Leonhard Zeugheer won the 1834 competition with a neo-Gothic design, which was reworked in a classicist spirit before construction finished in 1839. What can you see outside? The facade is late classicist, inspired by English Greek Revival churches. A monumental staircase leads up to the main entrance, and the tower rises above the portal: a square middle storey, a slender clock storey and an octagonal top. Five bells hang inside. Four were cast in 1838 by Jakob Keller and one dates from 1955. The largest weighs 2,832 kg. What is the interior like? The hall is rectangular, with a coffered ceiling and galleries, and the pulpit wall faces the main portal. The present look dates from the 1912 redesign by Alfred Friedrich Bluntschli: late historicist, with oriental-style painting and mosaic floors. Other works include a gallery extension in 1880, a full renovation in 1976–1978 and exterior and tower restoration in 1996. What is special about the organ? Friedrich Haas built the first organ in 1840. Since 1995 the church has housed the instrument from the old Tonhalle, a Kuhn organ of 1872 with 52 stops, three manuals, pedals and mechanical action. Since 2007 the church also hosts blues and jazz concerts run by the promoter allblues. Frequently asked questions Where is Neumünsterkirche? In Riesbach, at Neumünsterstrasse 10, on the Zelgli hill southwest of Hegibachplatz. What style is the church? Late classicist outside, late historicist inside (1912). It is not Romanesque. Is it the same as Grossmünster or Fraumünster? No. Neumünster is a separate, much younger 19th-century church outside the old town core. Is it worth attending a concert? Yes. The 1872 organ from the Tonhalle and the jazz and blues series make it a notable music venue.

Stadtkirche St. Stephan

Sempach

Stadtkirche St. Stephan is the parish church of Sempach, a medieval town on Lake Sempach in the canton of Lucerne, central Switzerland. It stands inside the old town, whose townscape is rated of national significance, and it is one of the town's main landmarks. What is the history of the church? St. Stephan is first recorded in 1275, at which point it was a branch church. Earlier still, in 1234, the local parish priest appears in documents as plebanus in Sempach and, according to scholars, already lived beside it. The original parish church was St. Martin on the Kirchbühl hill outside town, but over the centuries the town church took over that role. The medieval building, remodelled in the Baroque period, was replaced in the 19th century by a new church designed by the Tyrolean master builder Josef Händle. Construction ran from the late 1820s into the early 1830s; Swiss reference works give slightly different spans (1827–1831 or 1828–1833). The parish function and the cemetery moved into town in 1831–32. What will you see? The present church is a large 19th-century building that rises above the town's roofs, and visitor guides describe it as classicist. Its bells are worth noting. The ring was reworked several times in the 19th century by the Keller and Rüetschi foundries. After a major renovation in 1966–67, Emil Eschmann cast three new bells, and the whole set now hangs on steel axles in a modern steel frame. Swiss radio SRF has even devoted an episode of its "Glocken der Heimat" series to Sempach's bells. How do you fit it into a day in Sempach? Visit the church on a walk through the old town. Sections of the town wall survive, together with the Witches' Tower (Hexenturm) and the Lucerne Gate (Luzerner Tor). Northeast of town stands the St. James battle chapel, built in 1387 to commemorate the Battle of Sempach of 9 July 1386, in which the Swiss Confederates defeated the Habsburgs. The Kirchbühl hill with St. Martin's church, built between the 10th and 12th centuries, shows where the parish began. How do you get there? Sempach lies on the southeastern shore of Lake Sempach, not far from Lucerne. The old town is compact and best explored on foot, and the church tower is easy to spot among the rooftops. Frequently asked questions Is St. Stephan the oldest church in Sempach? No. St. Martin's on the Kirchbühl is older, dating from between the 10th and 12th centuries. St. Stephan appears in records from 1275, and the current building dates from the 19th century. Who designed the present church? Josef Händle, a master builder from Tyrol, who replaced the medieval church that had been given a Baroque remodelling. What else is worth seeing nearby? The town wall, the Witches' Tower, the Lucerne Gate and the St. James battle chapel of 1387. How long does a visit take? The old town is small, so a walk with a look inside the church takes about an hour.

Catholic Holy Trinity Church

Adliswil

The Catholic Holy Trinity Church (Dreifaltigkeitskirche) in Adliswil is a neo-Gothic basilica in the canton of Zurich, in a town just south of the city of Zurich in the Sihl valley. It was consecrated in autumn 1904, and its slender tower with a steep pointed spire is one of the clearest landmarks on the local skyline. What makes this church stand out? The architect was August Hardegger (1858–1927) of St. Gallen, a leading designer of Catholic churches in German-speaking Switzerland around 1900. Heritage inventories of the canton of Zurich credit him with almost all the large Catholic churches built there between 1891 and 1904, and Adliswil is part of that run. The building is a stately neo-Gothic basilica with pointed-arch detailing and a tower that rises above the surrounding streets. Prince Max of Saxony, a priest and theology professor, consecrated the church on 25 September 1904. The town's Reformed congregation had finished a new church of its own only a few years earlier, so the Catholic building marked a milestone for the local parish. What can you see inside? The interior changed during the twentieth century. After 1962 much of the original neo-Gothic furnishing was removed, which is why Zurich's heritage experts cite Adliswil as one of the Hardegger churches that have been stripped back, or "purified". For architecture fans it is a record of how liturgical taste shifted after the Second Vatican Council. One piece of the furnishing has its own story: a painted wooden figure of the prophet Moses, carved in 1914 for a church in Belgium. The outbreak of war upset that plan, so it was set up on the pulpit canopy in Adliswil instead. It stayed there until 1979, went into storage, and later returned to the church. How do you get there, and how long do you need? The church stands in central Adliswil, at roughly 47.313 N, 8.522 E. The town is linked to Zurich by the Sihl valley suburban railway and by buses, so a visit fits easily into a half-day trip from the city. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the exterior and interior, and combine it with a walk through Adliswil or along the Sihl. This is a working parish church, so keep quiet inside and do not take photos during services. Check opening times on the parish website. Frequently asked questions When was the Holy Trinity Church in Adliswil built? It was consecrated on 25 September 1904. The design is by August Hardegger. What style is the church? It is a neo-Gothic basilica with a tall pointed spire. After 1962 the interior was simplified and part of the original furnishing was removed. Which diocese does the parish belong to? The church belongs to the Diocese of Chur, in the Albis deanery. Is it worth a special trip? For fans of sacred architecture and Hardegger's work, yes. For other visitors it is a convenient short stop while exploring Adliswil on the way up the Sihl valley from Zurich.

St. Nicholas shared church, so-called mountain church

Rheinau

St. Nicholas Church, known as the Bergkirche, in Rheinau stands on a rise above the old town in the canton of Zurich, northern Switzerland, close to the German border. Since the early 17th century, Reformed and Catholic congregations have both held services under its roof. It is the last surviving shared church of this kind in the canton of Zurich. Why is it called the "mountain church"? The name Bergkirche comes from its setting. The building sits on elevated ground over the village and is visible from a distance. The federal inventory of Swiss townscapes (ISOS) notes that it links the upper and lower parts of Rheinau and shapes the settlement's skyline. It lies at roughly 47.644 N, 8.603 E. What is its history? A parish church dedicated to St. Nicholas existed here by the 13th century, and in 1296 it was attached to the nearby Rheinau monastery. The earlier building collapsed in 1573. Its replacement went up in 1578-79 under Abbot Johann Theobald Werlin von Greiffenberg, with a design that echoes the Romanesque monastery church. It is a late Gothic hall church that the canton's heritage records treat as unusual in Zurich. How does the shared use work? When the new church was finished, only Protestants could use it. From 1609 Catholics were admitted as well. The terms were hammered out in lengthy talks that, according to the sources, ran until 1638. Both congregations still use the same nave, and the Zurich heritage inventory lists the church as an object of more than local significance. What happened in 2004? On 6 August 2004, lightning struck the church. The resulting fire destroyed the roof and its small bell turret. After restoration, the church reopened in 2006. How to visit Combine the church with a stroll through Rheinau and a look at the former monastery on its island in the bend of the Rhine. The climb from the lower town is short. The interior may be closed outside service times, so check the parish websites before you go. Frequently asked questions Is it a Catholic or a Protestant church? Both. Since 1609 the Reformed and Catholic communities have held their own services here. Why is it called the Bergkirche? It stands on a height in the upper part of Rheinau. In German the name means "mountain church". When was the current building put up? It was rebuilt in 1578-79 after its predecessor collapsed in 1573. Did the 2004 fire destroy the whole church? No. The roof and bell turret burned, and the church reopened in 2006 after repairs.

Katholische Kirche Sogn Gions

Disentis/Mustér

Sogn Gions church (German: Kirche St. Johann, the church of St. John the Baptist) is the Baroque parish church of Disentis/Mustér in the Surselva region of Graubünden, Switzerland. It stands in the middle of the village, close to the Benedictine abbey, and is regarded as the largest Baroque church in the canton. How did Sogn Gions come to be? A church on this spot is first documented in 1261. The present building dates from 22 April 1640, when its foundation stone was laid. The builders retained parts of the earlier church and worked them into the new structure. The slope on the eastern side proved awkward, so the church was turned around and its orientation runs opposite to the usual convention. The interior has seen turbulent times. An organ was installed in 1641, the first in any parish church in Graubünden, and replaced in 1661. The tower was raised in 1667 and four new bells followed in 1686. When French troops invaded in May 1799, the interior and the bells were destroyed; both were rebuilt soon afterwards. What is there to see inside? Baroque stucco runs through the whole interior, most spectacularly in the choir, where angel figures surround a monstrance. Gothic windows bring daylight into the nave. Two side altars are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, while the side chapels honour St. Charles Borromeo (right) and Mary Magdalene (left). The pulpit and the Russein marble baptismal font were made after the 1799 fire. The Stations of the Cross were painted in 1803 by the Italian artist Sartori, and the tabernacle arrived in 1830 from Brienz (GR). The confessional at the rear is the work of Brother Theodor Stäuble, from 1946. A plaster figure of Christ in the left chapel is used in the traditional Good Friday liturgy. How do you get to Sogn Gions? The church is at 7180 Disentis, about a 3-minute walk from the railway station. Trains run from Lucerne over the Oberalp Pass or from Zurich via Chur. By car the same routes apply, but the Oberalp Pass is closed in winter. Parking is available by the church in a blue zone. When should you visit? Opening hours are not listed in the sources, so check disentis.ch before you go. The church combines well with a visit to the nearby abbey and a stroll through the village. It was on the list of Jubilee Churches of the Diocese of Chur for the 2025 Holy Year. Frequently asked questions Is Sogn Gions the same as the church of St. John in Disentis? Yes. Sogn Gions is the Romansh name; in German it is called Kirche St. Johann Baptist. Is it the largest Baroque church in Graubünden? Yes, that is how local tourism material describes it. How long does a visit take? Around 20 to 30 minutes is enough for the interior. Can I walk from the station? Yes, it takes about 3 minutes. Does the church belong to the monastery? No. It is the village parish church, separate from the Benedictine abbey, although the two stand close together.

Merligen church

Merligen

Merligen church is the Reformed village church of Merligen, a lakeside settlement on Lake Thun in the municipality of Sigriswil, canton of Bern. It sits on a rocky spur above the water and has served as a local landmark since the 1930s. What is this church and when was it built? The church dates from 1937, when it was built as a branch church of the Reformed parish of Sigriswil. That makes it young for a region where many lakeside churches go back to the Middle Ages. The parish's mother church in Sigriswil, dedicated to St Gall, is far older. It is mentioned in 1222–1223, and the present building was put up in 1678–1679. One parish still looks after both churches today. Why does Merligen have its own church? For a long time Merligen was hard to reach by land. A road from Gunten only arrived in 1873, and until then the lake was the main route in and out. Better transport brought tourism: hotels, guesthouses, retirement homes, a lakeside promenade and a lido. A growing village gained its own place of worship rather than relying on Sigriswil, which lies higher up the slope. What will you see? The setting is the main draw. Perched above the lake, the church is visible from the shore and from the boats that cross Lake Thun, and the area around it opens onto views of the water and the mountains behind. It makes an easy short walk, and it pairs well with a stroll along the promenade. Details about the architect and the interior are not widely published in visitor guides, so treat this as a scenic village landmark rather than a heavily decorated monument. How do you get there? Merligen lies on the northern shore of Lake Thun, between Thun and Interlaken. The church stands at roughly 46.699 N, 7.738 E. You can reach the village by car along the lake road, by public transport, or by boat on Lake Thun. From the village centre the church is a short walk. When is the best time to visit? Late spring to early autumn is the liveliest period, when boats, the lido and the promenade are in operation. The lake views are rewarding in every season. If you want to go inside, check the notices of the Sigriswil parish first, since this is a working church. Frequently asked questions When was Merligen church built? In 1937, as a branch church of the Sigriswil parish. What denomination is it? It is Swiss Reformed (Protestant) and belongs to the Sigriswil parish. Is it a medieval monument? No. The older church is St Gall's in Sigriswil, first mentioned in the early 13th century. The Merligen building is a 20th-century church. Can I go inside? It is an active church and opening is arranged by the parish. Check current information from the Sigriswil parish before visiting. What else is there to see in Merligen? The lakeside promenade, the lido and the boat landing on Lake Thun.

Evangelical reformed Church and Rectory with Parish Barn

Brugg

The Evangelical Reformed Church with its rectory and parish barn in Umiken forms a small heritage group in Umiken, a district that has belonged to the town of Brugg in the Swiss canton of Aargau since 2010. The buildings stand together at Villnachernstrasse 3, beside the old road toward the Bözberg pass. What is this place? Umiken was an independent municipality until the end of 2009. It grew as a street village, and the Bözbergstrasse has run through it since 1778. A local priest is recorded as early as 1256, and the parish church was dedicated to St. Maurice. The parish also covers neighbouring Riniken and Villnachern. What can you see? The church dates to 1521. It is a plain, elongated building with a narrow nave of Romanesque-Gothic origin. A tower with a pointed-arch portal rises on the west side, topped by a lean-to roof added in 1953. The three-sided choir goes back to 1521 and was rebuilt in 1770. It has a flat ceiling, a reconstructed round chancel arch and round-headed windows. Inside, look for the wooden barrel vault restored in 1968, a late Gothic baptismal font, a newer pulpit and an organ installed in 1969-70. A staircase beside the tower leads up to the gallery. The rectory is recorded in the cantonal inventory as dating from 1752-1755. The parish barn, built in 1760, stands at a right angle to it. It is a solid masonry building with narrow rectangular openings and a large segmental-arched gate. Above the gate is a coat-of-arms panel of the von Baldenstein family. One opening on the northeast side has been walled up. Is the group protected? Yes. The church and the barn came under cantonal protection on 7 May 1948 and federal protection on 16 March 1972. Both are rated as objects of regional significance (category B), and the protection covers the whole buildings. How do you get there? Umiken lies on the road toward the Bözberg pass, right next to Brugg town centre. Reach the group on foot or by car from Brugg, and enter the address Villnachernstrasse 3 in your navigation or map app. The coordinates are roughly 47.482 N, 8.190 E. When should you visit? The exterior can be viewed in any season, and clear afternoons give the best light on the facades and tower. The church is primarily a place of parish worship, so check opening times with the congregation before you go in. Allow 20-30 minutes, ideally as part of a walk around Brugg. Frequently asked questions When was the church built? In 1521. The choir was rebuilt in 1770 and the tower roof replaced in 1953. Are there other parish buildings next to the church? Yes. The rectory of 1752-1755 and the parish barn of 1760 stand beside it, and both appear in the cantonal heritage inventory. Is Umiken a separate town? No. The former municipality merged into Brugg on 1 January 2010. Is the group legally protected? Yes, at cantonal level since 1948 and at federal level since 1972.

Temple

Les Verrières

The Protestant Church (Temple) in Les Verrières is the Reformed parish church of a high-altitude border village in the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, right next to France. It stands at 46.90338 N, 6.46805 E. The Swiss ISOS heritage inventory describes the village as a long street dominated by a church at the frontier. What is this church and how old is it? The parish of Les Verrières dates back to around 1300 and belonged to the diocese of Besançon until the Reformation. A church dedicated to Saint Nicholas is first recorded in 1324, and it was rebuilt before 1517. After the canton turned Protestant, the building became a Reformed temple, a plain place of worship typical of French-speaking Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Archives hold files on restoration campaigns running from 1946 to 1990, so the building has been repaired more than once. What is there to see nearby? Les Verrières is a street village about 3 km long, stretching between 910 and 1,286 m above sea level. The church is its natural landmark. Around it you will find traditional Jura farmhouses and open pastures, and the border is close by, where a federal customs post has operated since 1850. Goods travelled along the old road to France until a railway between the two countries opened in 1860. Why does the village matter historically? The local economy began with farming and forestry, then expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries into lace-making, watchmaking, cheese-making, printing and absinthe distilling. The population peaked at 1,765 in 1900 and fell to 735 by 2000. In February 1871 the Franco-Swiss convention on interning General Bourbaki's army, which had fled Prussian forces across the Jura, was signed here. It remains the best-known event in the village's past. How do you get there? The village lies in the Val-de-Travers district, on the main road toward Pontarlier in France. Drive from Neuchâtel through the Val-de-Travers, or take the train line that runs to the border. The church stands on the village's main street, so it is easy to find. The interior is usually open during services and parish events; at other times, the exterior is worth a look on its own. When should you visit? At nearly 1,000 m, winters are long and snowy. Summer and early autumn suit walks across the Jura pastures. In winter the area is good for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Frequently asked questions Is the Protestant Church the same as the Catholic chapel in Les Verrières? No. The Catholic wooden chapel was founded in 1942, while the Reformed temple is the village's historic parish church. Is the church close to the French border? Yes. The village sits directly on the frontier, and the church stands on its main street near the crossing. How long has a church stood in Les Verrières? A church is first mentioned in 1324, and the parish existed around 1300. The building was rebuilt before 1517. Are services held in the church? It serves the local Reformed parish. Check the parish or municipal notices for service times.

Église catholique de Peseux

Neuchâtel

Église catholique de Peseux (Catholic Church of Peseux) is a post-war church in Peseux, now a district of Neuchâtel in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. Dedicated to Notre-Dame de Compassion, it stands as a good example of 1950s Swiss religious architecture. Who designed the church, and when? The design came out of an architectural competition won by Beate and Maurice Billeter, a married couple of Neuchâtel architects. Earlier schemes, among them a 1943 proposal by Dumas and Honegger, were dropped. Construction ran from 1953 to 1954, and the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland gives 1954 as the year of consecration. The bell tower followed in 1955. What is there to see? The building is plainly modernist, free of period ornament, reflecting the renewal of church building in French-speaking Switzerland after the war. Inside, stained glass by the Swiss painter Coghuf dates from 1970, and an organ was installed in 1972. The church was among the sites highlighted for the 2025 European Heritage Days in the canton. How does it fit the history of Peseux? For a long time the village depended spiritually on Serrières. It formed its own Catholic parish in 1882. Today's parish carries the same name as the church, Notre-Dame de Compassion, and belongs to the Diocese of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg. Peseux was an independent municipality until it merged into Neuchâtel in 2021, so you will see both names on maps and signs. How do you get there? The church is in Peseux, west of central Neuchâtel, close to 46.985 N, 6.888 E. The easiest way is a local bus from the city centre towards Peseux, or a short drive. Check the parish website for the nearest stop and opening times before you go. When is the best time to visit? Go during the day, when light passes through Coghuf's windows. Access outside services depends on the parish, so confirm in advance. European Heritage Days are a good occasion, since 20th-century buildings are often opened more widely then. Frequently asked questions Is it a historic church? It dates from the 1950s and is valued as a notable piece of modernist religious architecture in the region. Who designed the church in Peseux? Beate and Maurice Billeter, Neuchâtel architects who won the competition. When was it built? Between 1953 and 1954, consecrated in 1954, with the tower added in 1955. Is Peseux a separate town? No. Since 2021 it has been part of the municipality of Neuchâtel.

Ref. Kirche Töss

Winterthur

Reformierte Kirche Töss is a neo-Gothic Swiss Reformed church in the Töss district of Winterthur, canton of Zürich. Completed in 1855 on Stationsstrasse, it stands close to the site of a Dominican convent that shaped the district for centuries. Its tall, slender tower is a landmark of the neighbourhood. What is this church and why was it built? Töss grew up around a Dominican convent founded in 1233 by Count Hartmann IV of Kyburg. The nuns held property in around 130 places across the canton of Zürich, plus houses in Winterthur and the city of Zürich. Before the Reformation, Töss belonged to the parish of Oberwinterthur. When the convent was dissolved in 1525, the village formed its own parish together with Dättnau and the Rossberg and Bläsihof farms. The former convent church then served Protestant worship. In 1833 the Rieter company set up a machine factory in that building, and the congregation needed a new church. It was built in 1855 to a design by Johann Caspar Wolff. What will you see? The church is a fine example of Protestant Historicist architecture. Its facades are massive and symmetrical, in a formal neo-Gothic style, and the tall narrow tower anchors the building in the local skyline. The heritage inventory also protects the interior furnishings: the chancel arch, gallery, pulpit, baptismal font and organ. The layout follows Reformed tradition, centred on the preaching of the word rather than on an ornate altar. How do you get to the church in Töss? Töss lies on the south-western edge of Winterthur, a short ride from the centre. Take a train or city bus from Winterthur main station; the church is on Stationsstrasse near Winterthur Töss station. Coordinates: 47.4907 N, 8.7084 E. When should you visit? The church is in use by the Evangelical Reformed parish of Töss, so the best times are during services or parish events. Winterthur's annual heritage day (Tag des Denkmals) has featured the building history of this church. Combine your visit with a walk through the district, where traces of the convent and of Winterthur's industrial past remain visible. Frequently asked questions When was the church in Töss built? In 1855, replacing the former Dominican convent church. The architect was Johann Caspar Wolff. What style is it? Neo-Gothic, with symmetrical facades and a tall, narrow tower. It belongs to the Protestant architecture of the Historicist period. What happened to the old convent church? After the convent's dissolution in 1525 it was used for Reformed worship. From 1833 it housed the Rieter machine factory. Which parish runs the church? The Evangelical Reformed parish of Töss, formed after the convent was dissolved in 1525.

Hilterfingen Reformed Church with Rectory

Oberhofen am Thunersee

Hilterfingen Reformed Church with Rectory is a church-and-parsonage ensemble on the shore of Lake Thun, in Oberhofen am Thunersee, canton of Bern. The former St Andrew's church sits right on the boundary between two municipalities: it carries the Hilterfingen name but stands on Oberhofen ground. Its coordinates are roughly 46.734 N, 7.662 E. How old is the church? The present building dates from 1727, yet worship here goes back far further. Four earlier churches occupied the spot, the first one in the 7th or 8th century. That makes it one of the oldest sacred sites on the lake. A medieval chronicle of the Strättligen family lists it among the twelve churches around Lake Thun. Control of the church changed hands several times. A gift from the lords of Oberhofen to the Amsoldingen chapter was later contested, and after a long dispute the Interlaken monastery held it. In 1424 it passed to the owners of the Oberhofen lordship, and in 1652 to the city of Bern. Today it belongs to the Bernese Reformed Church, hence its name. What can you see? The church and its rectory form a historic ensemble. The parsonage has stood beside the church for a long time, as it already appears in an 1822 print of Hilterfingen by Jakob Samuel Weibel. The exterior is a plain, practical Bernese village church, without lavish decoration. The bells are a nice detail. The four small historic bells that once hung in the tower are now displayed in the historical museum of Oberhofen Castle. The tower today holds five bells cast in 1962 by H. Rüetschi AG of Aarau, which Swiss radio SRF featured in its "Glocken der Heimat" series. How do you get there and what else is nearby? The church stands between the villages of Hilterfingen and Oberhofen, close to the lake at about 560 m above sea level. Hilterfingen got its first boat landing in 1925, and Switzerland's first sailing school opened here in 1935. Nearby you can visit: Oberhofen Castle and its historical museum, neo-Gothic Schloss Hünegg (built 1861-1863), now a museum of domestic culture, the lakeside paths with views toward the Bernese Alps. Check the parish website for opening hours of the interior. This is a working parish church, and it may be closed outside services. Frequently asked questions Is the Hilterfingen church actually in Hilterfingen? Not formally. It stands on the municipal boundary, on Oberhofen am Thunersee land, but belongs to the Hilterfingen parish. When was the current building constructed? In 1727. Four older churches preceded it, the earliest from the 7th or 8th century. Is there an entrance fee? No admission fee is documented. It is an active parish church, so visitors should behave as in any place of worship. What else is worth seeing close by? Oberhofen Castle, Schloss Hünegg and the lake promenades, with Thun and Spiez a short trip away.