Religious Sites

Hofkirche St. Leodegar (Court Church of St. Leodegar)

St. Leodegar was founded in the mid-8th century, part of the monastery which in turn founded Lucerne. A Gothic church preceded the existing German Renaissance building, but was largely destroyed by fire in 1633. Only the towers, St. Mary's altar and a few religious objects remain in the existing 17th-century building. St. Leodegar's white stone interior is generously furnished with gilt statuary and altars. Ornate wooden pews comprise the south half of the sanctuary, while simpler wooden seats occupy the north, a reminder of an earlier time when wealthy and poor parishioners worshiped apart. Near the center of the sanctuary on a supporting pillar a plaque honors Ludwig Pfyffer von Altishofen. The rich 17th-century Swiss mercenary was instrumental in bringing a Jesuit contingent to Lucerne, thus introducing the Counter Reformation to Switzerland.

Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church)

Lured to Lucerne by the wealthy Ludwig Pfyffer von Altishofen, the Jesuits brought the Counter Reformation to Lucerne in the 17th century; the elaborate Jesuitenkirche, dedicated to Francis Xavier, was constructed in 1666. Architects from Italy and Austria built what many believe to be the most beautiful Baroque church in Switzerland. Rose and white plaster work embellishes an ethereal white interior. A massive pink altarpiece forms the focal point at the front of the sanctuary; although it resembles marble, it is actually stucco and plaster. The second side chapel on the right is dedicated to Brother Klaus. In place of an altarpiece stands a life-size statue of the beloved recluse clad in an authentic brown habit.

Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church)

Since its founding in the 13th century, the Franciscan Church has been perpetually under construction or renovation. Evidence of its history is seen in the hodgepodge of architectural styles. The church's 13th-century portions are built in Gothic style; Renaissance and Baroque styles follow as the walls rise. The Franciscan Church's wooden carved pulpit dates from the early 15th century. The flags along the church's upper walls date from the 17th century, when the church doubled as a city hall; they represent locations where Swiss mercenaries fought and won.

St. Peterskapelle (St. Peter's Chapel)

The Kapellplatz surrounds tiny St. Peterskapelle, an 18th-century church that was built over a 12th-century predecessor. This chapel also lends its name to the Kapellbrücke, the charming wooden bridge synonymous with Lucerne. The exterior walls of St. Peter's are adorned with several interesting works of art. An alabaster carving of the Mount of Olives remains from the previous church building. The fresco of Brother Klaus dates from the late 19th century, and the painting of St. Christopher is from the early 20th century.

St. Matthäuskirche (St. Matthew Church)

One of only two Protestant churches in Lucerne, St. Matthäus was the first, built in 1848 in a neo-Gothic style. Richard Wagner was married here.

Kappellbrücke and Spreuerbrücke (Chapel Bridge and Spreuer Bridge)

Bridges have always been synonymous with Lucerne, bisected as the city is by the Reuss River. The most famous are the Kapellbrücke and the Spreuerbrücke, dating from the early 14th and 15th centuries respectively. The continued existence of these two ancient wooden bridges is remarkable in itself; in fact, a 1993 fire nearly destroyed the Kapellbrücke. (Charred portions of the bridge stand in memorial of the disaster.) Tucked up under the bridges' rafters are a series of ancient paintings, many with religious themes. The Kapellbrücke's artworks are nearly 400 years old, half recounting the history of the patron saints and half the founding of Switzerland. The paintings within the Spreuerbrücke are 50 years younger and recount the 14th-century "Dance of Death!".

Excursion: Abbey of Einsiedeln

The trip to Einsiedeln is worthwhile if only for the beautiful alpine scenery visible from the train. The Abbey has drawn visitors along its mountainous route since the 9th century, when the German monk Meinrad found retreat here. In the ensuing years Einsiedeln became a pilgrimage site, attracting visitors to St. Meinrad's resting place as well as to the 1,000-year-old Black Madonna icon (housed in the Lady Chapel in the church nave). The Abbey Church dates from the 18th century, its interior a riot of baroque ornamentation. Ceiling frescoes depict biblical scenes, and the apse and walls are adorned with vivid coral, orange and white cherubs and flourishes accented with lavender and gold leaf.

Excursion: Brother Klaus at Flüeli-Ranft

The birthplace, cell and chapel of St. Nicholas of Flüe, "Brother Klaus", is located 45 miles northeast of Lucerne near the small town of Flüeli. A path leads from Flüeli to the nearby Ranft Gorge where the 15th-century farmer and town councilor secluded himself after sacrificing his career and family for a life of fasting and contemplation. St. Nicholas was instrumental in arbitrating several treaties and political disputes, earning a reputation as a peacemaker and the role of Switzerland's patron saint. Brother Klaus's grave is in the Pilgrimage Church in nearby Sachseln.

Excursion: Mountain Climbing, Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Titlis

Ascending one of Central Switzerland's alpine peaks is an easy day trip from Lucerne. Mt. Pilatus (7,000 feet high and home to the world's steepest cogwheel railway) and Mt. Titlis (at 10,000 feet, central Switzerland's highest peak) are two of the region's most popular climbs. Bus or train transport carries visitors along the shores of Lake Lucerne to a cable car, which whisks riders up to the top. The reward is a sweeping view of snowy, purple mountain peaks and the meandering Lake Lucerne.

Excursion: Lake Lucerne Cruise

Lucerne and its neighboring Swiss villages are even more picturesque when seen from the water. SGV lines serve over thirty lakeside destinations on trips ranging from brief commutes to half-day lunch cruises on motor boats or historic steamers.