The 10 Best Churches & Cathedrals in Switzerland, Switzerland

Le parcours de visite est basé sur la lumière et l’image, symboles de la connaissance et de la foi. Il raconte une histoire exceptionnelle: celle d’une communauté religieuse vivante, miraculeusement préservée et constituant le témoignage unique d’une activité spirituelle et culturelle sans équivalent dans le monde occidental chrétien. Consciente de l’importance mondiale de son patrimoine historique et culturel, l’Abbaye de Saint-Maurice a décidé de l’ouvrir au public à l’occasion de son Jubilé. La visite de son Site culturel et patrimonial débute dans la basilique qui date du 17e siècle. Vous parcourez ensuite le site archéologique des anciennes églises – aussi appelé site du Martolet – qui résulte de dix années de fouilles. Enfin, vous traversez les catacombes avant de découvrir le Trésor abbatial.

This 1,000-year-old monastery a short drive from the city is home to the Black Madonna Shrine, an important pilgrimage destination.

The cathedral represents one of the last monumental Baroque monastic constructions in Europe. It was built from 1755 to 1767 under the direction of Vorarlberg native and master builder Johann Michael Beer. The choir stalls with 84 lovely carved seats and the historic organ are works of art in and of themselves. Every Tuesday, there is a Evening Prayer (Domvesper)at 5.30 P.M. The inside of the church is painted in vibrant colours and adorned with stucco, and the interior is decorated with numerous carvings. A serene atmosphere prevails in the church thanks to the soft lighting and malachite green stucco. After the secularisation of the Convent in 1805, the church became a parish church and 1847 at the same time cathedral of the new founded diocese. In 2013, the altar area was renewed. Especially impressive is the baptism fountain with the respecting of the frescos of the cupola. Beside the different liturgy Services and concerts there are also guided tours, for example from may to September every Saturday at 10.30 A.M. (Free admission, collect).

Around 735/736, southern German nobles founded a small monastery at the site of today's Hof area, which was dedicated to St Mauritius. Around 1135, the autonomous monastery was attached to the Provostship of Murbach (Alsace) and St Leger was named patron of the church. In 1291, the Abbey of Murbach was forced to sell the Provost's Church and its belongings to the Habsburgs. In 1332, Lucerne joined the Helvetic Confederation. By 1433, the City of Lucerne had regained its rights from the Habsburgs, including those affecting the mo- nastery. In 1455/56, the Benedictine monastery was converted into a convent of Canon Regulars. Since then, the Canon Regulars have devoted themselves to the Liturgy of the Hours every day in the mornings and evenings. On Easter Sunday 1633, the church was burned to its foundations. The Jesuit Brother Ja- kob Kurrer from Ingolstadt was charged with the reconstruction of the church. Its consecration took place after the installation of the art works in 1644.

The Open Church is a postdenominational church, based in the jewish-christian faith, open for each person of good will, whatever they believe in. Wether you are looking for silence, a blessing or for a lively disco: We cater to your needs. The church is open Mon trough Sat from 10am and to 7pm. On sundays we open after local masses and services @ 12 noon. Our cafe offers exquisit hot and cold drinks from 7am on. You can rent the church for your familiy or business events (www.your-venue-basel.com). Our programm can be found @ www.offenekirche.ch.