The famous Payerne Abbey combines Roman art from the 11th century with gothic art from the 15th century.The church itself was built in several stages on the site of the old Villa Paterniaca, dating back to the 4th century: the nave was built in the first half of the 11th century, and the chevet followed soon after, in the second half of the same century. The Roman villa, dating back to the 4th century, was used in the 6th century by Bishop Marius. A second building was then constructed in the 10th century and the St. Michel tower was placed in front of the church, marking the beginning of the complete reconstruction of the abbey, leading to the creation of the monument as it is today.
The Abbey Church of Payerne, with its decorated chapiters and early frescoes, is considered to be one of the finest existing examples of Romanesque art. Its grand proportions and the special luminous stones used in the building work never fail to amaze visitors.
How to get there:
The Abbey is exactly halfway between Lausanne and Bern (45 km each way).
By car: take the A1 (Lausanne - Yverdon - Bern) motorway from Lausanne or Bern in the direction of Yverdon and exit at Payerne.
By train: take a train to Payerne railway station.
11th-century abbey church
Payerne
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The 11th-century abbey church of Payerne is
one of the most important Romanesque
churches in Switzerland, with its harmonious
spaces, delicate stonework and fine murals.
Together with the chapterhouse, it evokes the
former splendour of the Cluniac priory. Close
by is the intriguing town museum.
Open:
Tue–Sat 10am–12pm & 2–6pm (Oct–April closes at 5pm)
More links
Contact Information
- Office du tourisme
Place du Marché 10
1530 Payerne
Tel. +41 (0)26 660 61 61
Fax +41 (0)26 660 71 26
tourisme@nature-vivante.ch
- www.nature-vivante.ch
