Französische Kirche (French Church)
Overview
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Intro
The oldest church in Bern is the French Church, built in 1269. In the early 15th century, this church hosted Pope Martin V to petition him to appoint a bishop's see in Bern, and to allow the city to build an accompanying cathedral. Their request was granted, much to the advantage of the Huguenots who would arrive some 200 years later. In the early 17th century Bern offered asylum to the French refugees, bequeathing them use of the French Church. The Huguenots used the church for both worship and lodging. The French Church remains in use today as a French-speaking Protestant church.
The interior of the French Church shows signs of its former affiliation with Catholicism. Empty niches under the organ were once used as small chapels and statuary has been removed. However, the Bernese Protestants left wall paintings and stained glass intact. The building's unusual design includes a central nave without transept; a single roof above the nave and chancel; and a permanent rood-screen to separate the congregation from the friars.
