Spending a few minutes inside a church, rejuvenates the mind and soul and helps you reconnect with your inner-self. Though Switzerland is considered to be a federal state with no state religion, around two-thirds of the population are either Protestants or Roman Catholics. The country is home to some of the most ancient and beautiful churches in the whole world. Be sure to visit these magnificent churches and admire the brilliant architecture and rich history on your next trip to the Swiss Alps.
Top 6 Churches In Switzerland!
Here is the specially created list of 6 best churches to visit in Switzerland to get closer to the culture and traditions of the beautiful country. Take a look!
1. St. Peter’s Church
No matter where you are standing in Zurich’s old town, you simply cannot miss the large clock face staring back at you. This clock has a diameter of close to 9 meters and is the greatest pride of St. Peter’s church. This beautiful catholic church in Zurich, Switzerland, stands on the southern bank of the mighty River Limmat and is one of the 4 main churches in the city. Be sure to walk into the church, as the interiors are spectacularly beautiful painted with murals inspired by the Baroque style. The location of this century old church has a long history to its name. A Roman temple dedicated to the God Jupiter stood at this location and fell into disuse. Later in the 8th century, a Christian church was erected in its place. Years later in 1706, the church was reconstructed and consecrated to be the first ever Protestant church that stands to this day. This beautiful catholic church in Switzerland is still in use and hosts a number of events all year round.
Location: St. Peter Hofstatt 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM on Weekdays; 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays; 11 AM to 5 PM on Sundays
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2. Court Church Of St. Leodegar
There are a number of churches in Switzerland that deserve a mention. Court Church of St. Leodegar is one of the most famous churches in Switzerland in the city of Lucerne. This Roman Catholic church was built in parts from the year 1633 to 1639 on the grounds of the Roman Basilica which burnt down in 1633. This is one of the very few churches built in the North of the Alps during the war time and is one of the largest churches that oozes with relics and art from the German renaissance period.
Location: St. Leodegar Strasse 6, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland
Timings: Mon – Sun: 7 am – 7 pm
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3. Fraumünster Church
The Fraumünster Church, is one of the most prominent churches in Zurich Switzerland. This temple of prayer has been a place of silence and reflection for over 10 centuries. It is one of the oldest churches in Switzerland and is thought to be built way back in 853, in exactly the same spot where an abbey for women belonging to aristocratic families once used to be. The interiors of the church are mesmerizing with stained glass windows designed by none other than Marc Chagall. The church also boasts of elements from not just Romanesque but also Gothic architecture styles. Be sure to check out the biggest organ in Zurich housed in the church. The church also is home to a museum in the crypt where you can get some tidbits about the Reformation era in Zurich.
Location: Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Timings:
Jan to Feb: 10 am – 5 pm
Mar to Oct: 10 am – 6 pm
Nov to Dec: 10 am – 4 pm
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4. St. Peter Cathedral
The St. Pierre Cathedral also known as St. Peter Cathedral in Geneva was originally built as a Roman Catholic cathedral, but later turned into a Reformed protestant church during the time of reformation. This church is also said to the adopted home church of one of the famous leaders of the Protestant Reformation – John Calvin. This swiss reformed church houses an old wooden church used by Calvin. There is no admission fee to visit this shrine, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in Geneva Switzerland. During your visit you will get to climb 157 steps of the towers that lead to the very top of the Cathedral from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the entire city. The stained-glass windows too deserve a special mention. You will get to see stained-glass windows that date way back to the 19th century and are identical to those found in Musée d’Art et d’Histoire
Location: Place du Bourg-de-Four 24, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Timings:
Oct – May: Monday to Saturday – 10 am – 5:30 pm; Sundays: 12 noon – 5:30 pm; Towers until 5 pm
Jun – Sep: Monday to Saturday – 9:30 am – 6:30 pm; Sundays: 12 noon – 6:30 pm; Towers until 6 pm
Suggested Read: 10 Unique Museums In Switzerland That Walk You Through History Of Humanity
5. Saint German Church
St. German Church tops the list of churches in Switzerland and for good reason. This church is one of the oldest in Geneva and has stood high through turbulences and troubled times that shook the very foundation of Switzerland religion. This charming little Gothic church was built on a site where fragments of an altar that dated back to the 5th century were discovered. The church was renovated after a fire tore down the Old Town in the year 1334. Most parts of the church barring the steeple were rebuilt in the late 15th century. St. German church has withstood the diversity of the yesteryears and reflects the multi-faceted diversity of the country. A number of music concerts are held here free of charge during summer at the church.
Location: 2 Rue des Granges 13, Geneva, Switzerland, 1204
Timings: Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – noon, 1:30 pm – 5 pm
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6. Water Church
You will be surprised to know how many churches in Switzerland! If art and history fascinate you and you wish to tour the many historic churches in Switzerland, start your tour with Water Church located in Zurich. If legend has it right, this is the site where Zurich’s patron saints Regula and Felix were executed by the Roman folk. This gothic church was originally built on a small island and completed towards the wag end of the 15th century and was considered to be a very holy shrine. A municipal library and warehouse were erected to ensure that nobody was tempted into reintroducing the cult of saints. The church was renovated years later in the year 1942 and is now used for cultural as well as religious purposes. The most attractive feature of this church is the choir windows designed by Augusto Giacometti. The windows depict the life of Christ as compared to the life of today’s modern man.
Location: 29 Limmatquai, Zurich, Switzerland
Timings: Wed-Fri: noon – 3 pm; Sat-Sun: noon -5 pm
Further Read: Treat Your Taste Buds With Luxury At The Best Restaurants In Switzerland
There is no dearth of churches in Switzerland. In fact, there are a number of Pentecostal churches in Switzerland as well that you can pay a visit. However, try to attend a church service with the locals which is an experience you will never forget on your next trip to Switzerland!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Churches In Switzerland
What is the specialty of St. Peter’s Church in Zurich, Switzerland?
The St. Peter’s Church has Europe’s largest clock tower. This classic clock is more than 600-years old. It is still working and in good condition.
In what architectural style the churches in Switzerland are built?
Churches in Switzerland are built in the architectural styles of Albrecht Sturler, Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance.
What sects of churches are present in Switzerland?
There are Baptist Church, Catholic Church, and the Protestant Church in Switzerland. Yet, one can find many numbers of catholic churches in the main cities and suburban areas of Switzerland.
Which is the historic church that one must not miss to see in cultural and heritage tours in Switzerland?
St. Peter’s Church in Zurich church is the one you must not miss to see under cultural and heritage tours in Switzerland.
What are the timings of churches of tourist importance in Switzerland?
Most of the churches are open from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM in Switzerland. Yet, the churches of different theology are closed on different days in a week.
Are there any entry charges to pay to visit the heritage churches in Switzerland?
Yes, the entry to churches is free to tourists. Yet, they collect an entry fee if you wish to access the towers, antiques, shows, and events taking place in the church premises.
Do the churches in Switzerland allow tourists of any religion and ethnicity to visit inside the church?
Yes, there is no prohibition for tourists of any religion and ethnicity to visit inside the churches present in Switzerland.
Do churches in Switzerland allow tourists to take photos?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the churches of Switzerland. Yet, it is advisable to put off the flashlight, when you take photos inside the church when mass is going on.
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