6 Best Churches In Switzerland That Are An Epitome Of Glorious Architecture
Spending a few minutes inside a church refreshes the mind and soul and helps you reconnect with your inner self. Although Switzerland is considered a federal state with no state religion, approximately two-thirds of the population is either Protestant or Roman Catholic. The country is home to some of the most ancient and beautiful churches in the entire world. On your next trip to the Swiss Alps be sure to visit these magnificent churches and admire the magnificent architecture and rich history.
Top 6 Churches in Switzerland!
Here is a specially curated list of 6 best churches to visit in Switzerland to get closer to the culture and traditions of this beautiful country. To keep an eye!
1. St. Peter’s Church
No matter where you stand in Zurich’s old town, you can’t miss the big clock staring back at you. This clock has a diameter of about 9 meters and is the greatest pride of St. Peter’s Church. This beautiful Catholic church in Zurich, Switzerland is located on the south bank of the mighty Limmat River and is one of the 4 main churches in the city. The church is a must visit, as the interiors are magnificently painted with frescoes inspired by the Baroque style. This century-old church has a long history in its name. A Roman temple dedicated to the god Jupiter was on this site and fell into disuse. Later in the 8th century a Christian church was built in its place. Years later in 1706, the church was rebuilt and became the first Protestant church that stands to this day. This beautiful Catholic church in Switzerland is still in use and hosts many events throughout the year.
Place: St. Peter Hofstadt 2, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Time: 8am to 6pm on weekdays; Saturday 10am to 4pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
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2. Court Church of St. Leodegar
There are many churches in Switzerland that deserve mention. The Court Church of St. Leodegar is one of the most famous churches in the city of Lucerne, Switzerland. This Roman Catholic church was built in parts between the years 1633 and 1639 on the grounds of a Roman basilica that burned down in 1633. It is one of very few churches built north of the Alps during the war. The largest churches which are filled with relics and art from the German Renaissance period.
Place: St. Leodegar Strasse 6, 6006 Lucerne, Switzerland
Time: Monday-Sunday: 7 am to 7 pm
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3. Fraumunster Church
Fraumunster Church, Zurich is one of the most prominent churches in Switzerland. This temple of prayer has been a place of silence and contemplation for more than 10 centuries. It is one of the oldest churches in Switzerland and is believed to have been built in 853, on the exact same site that once housed a monastery for women from noble families. The interiors of the church are mesmerizing with stained glass windows designed by none other than Marc Chagall. The church contains elements of not only Romanesque but also Gothic architectural styles. Be sure to check out the largest church organ in Zurich. There is also a museum in the basement of the church where you can get some information about the Reformation era in Zurich.
Place: Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Time:
January to February: 10 am to 5 pm
March to October: 10 am to 6 pm
November to December: 10 am to 4 pm
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4. St. Peter’s Cathedral
Saint Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, also known as Saint Peter’s Cathedral, was originally built as a Roman Catholic cathedral, but later converted into a Reformed Protestant church during the Reformation. This church is also known as the adopted home church of one of the famous leaders of the Protestant Reformation – John Calvin. This Swiss Reformed church features an old wooden church used by Calvin. There is no entry fee to visit this temple, considered one of the most beautiful churches in Geneva Switzerland. During your visit you will have the chance to climb the 157 steps of the towers that lead to the top of the cathedral from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the entire city. The stained glass windows also deserve special mention. You’ll get to see stained glass windows that date back to the 19th century and are similar to those found in the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire.
Place: Place du Bourg-de-Four 24, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Time:
October – May: Monday to Saturday – 10am – 5:30pm; Sunday: 12 noon – 5:30 pm; tower till 5 pm
June–September: Monday to Saturday – 9:30 am – 6:30 pm; Sunday: 12 noon – 6:30 pm; tower till 6 pm
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5. St. German’s Church
St. German’s Church tops the list of churches in Switzerland and with good reason too. The church is one of the oldest churches in Geneva and has stood through tumultuous and troubled times that shook the foundations of Switzerland’s religion. This charming small Gothic church was built on the site where fragments of a 5th-century altar were discovered. The church was renovated after a fire in the old town in the year 1334. Most of the church, except the tower, was rebuilt in the late 15th century. The St. German Church preserves the diversity of the past and reflects the multifaceted diversity of the country. Many free concerts are held here in the church during the summer.
Place: 2 Rue des Granges 13, Geneva, Switzerland, 1204
Time: Mon-Fri: 8:30am – noon, 1:30pm – 5pm
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6. Water Church
You will be surprised to know how many churches there are in Switzerland! If art and history appeal to you and you want to visit Switzerland’s many historic churches, start your tour with the Water Church located in Zurich. If the legend is correct, this is the spot where Regula and Felix, the patron saints of Zurich, were executed by the Romans. This Gothic church was originally built on a small island and was completed in the late 15th century and was considered a very sacred temple. To ensure that no one would be tempted to reintroduce the cult of the saints, a municipal library and warehouse were built. The church was renovated years later in the year 1942 and is now used for cultural and religious purposes. The most striking feature of this church are the windows of the choir designed by Augusto Giacometti. The windows depict the life of Jesus Christ compared to the life of modern man today.
Place: 29 Limmatquai, Zurich, Switzerland
Time: Wed-Fri: Noon – 3pm; Sat-Sun: Noon – 5pm
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There is no dearth of churches in Switzerland. In fact, Switzerland also has many Pentecostal churches that you can visit. However, try attending a church service with the locals which is an experience you will never forget on your next trip to Switzerland!
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FAQ about churches in Switzerland
What is special about St. Peter’s Church in Zurich, Switzerland?
St. Peter’s Church has the largest bell tower in Europe. This classic watch is more than 600 years old. It is still working and in good condition.
What architectural style are churches built in Switzerland?
Churches in Switzerland are built in the architectural styles of Albrecht Sturler, Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance.
What denominations of churches exist in Switzerland?
Switzerland has Baptist churches, Catholic churches, and Protestant churches. Nevertheless, many Catholic churches can be found in Switzerland’s main cities and suburban areas.
Which is the historical church that should not be missed during cultural and heritage tourism in Switzerland?
St. Peter’s Church in Zurich is the church that you should not miss to visit under cultural and heritage tourism in Switzerland.
What are the timings of churches of tourist importance in Switzerland?
Most churches in Switzerland are open from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm. Nevertheless, churches of different theologies are closed on different days of the week.
Is there an entry fee to visit heritage churches in Switzerland?
Yes, entry to the churches is free for tourists. Nevertheless, if you want to access the towers, antiquities, shows and events taking place in the church premises they charge an admission fee.
Do churches in Switzerland allow tourists of any religion and caste to go inside the churches?
Yes, there is no restriction on tourists of any religion or caste going inside the churches present in Switzerland.
Do churches in Switzerland allow tourists to take photos?
Yes, photography is allowed inside churches in Switzerland. Nevertheless, it is advisable to turn off the flashlight when taking photographs when mass is going on inside the church.
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