Abbeys & churches

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.

Nestling harmoniously in a site formed by a loop in the River Saane, the medieval Hauterive Abbey is among Switzerland's best-preserved monastic estates. The modest restraint of the church and the Baroque opulence of the monastic buildings offer an intriguing contrast.

The Churches of St. Stephen and St. Luzi were and are both situated higher than the much more famous cathedral. Remains of the Church of St. Stephen were first discovered during the construction of the cantonal school in 1850.

The tower of the St. Lawrence Church affords a beautiful view of the Old Town and the Abbey Precinct.

The old cloister, birthplace of the Augustinian sisters S.M. Presentata di Poschiavo, is a harbor of peace, quiet and contemplation, and the ideal place to escape from daily stress.

Solothurn’s Jesuit Church may stand in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral of St. Ursen, but it is also well worth a visit – and about a hundred years older.

With its coating of pink granite, the spherical Ste-Trinité Church arouses curiosity. Set in the centre of the city, this singular church stands out amid the surrounding buildings. Built in 1994, its original architecture is subject to a range of interpretations.

The name "Red Church" is attributed to the facade in the front, which differs from the rest of the edifice.

The Cathedral Treasure Museum comprises two groups of objects: The actual cathedral treasure and the cycle of murals depicting death from 1543, both of which are exhibited on two floors and are a source of fascination to visitors of all ages as well as a unique resource for experts. The location of the museum, the baroque Episcopal Castle in Chur, is a cultural monument of national importance and also one of the most important secular buildings in Graubünden.

The 8th-century St. Martin's Church was the site of John Comander's persuasive sermons in 1524, and became Protestant in 1525.

As a hospital, an orphanage or a hostel for craftsmen, Solothurn's Old Hospital has been a venue for people to meet and receive hospitality since it was first mentioned in the 14th century.

Receive an unforgettable insight into the history of the Benedictine Monastery.

The Cathedral of St. Ursus - a significant, early classical baroque church with breathtaking views.

Climb the 365 steps and you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the town of Fribourg.

The internationally-renowned Convent of St. John in Müstair enjoys UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing and owes its existence and uniqueness to Charlemagne. It is one of the few existing architectural examples from the Carolingian period.

The sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina above Locarno is the most famous place of pilgrimage in the Italian part of Switzerland. It is rooted in the ancient tradition of votive gifts.

The church, which was originally part of a Franciscan monastery, is home to Switzerland's most famous Renaissance fresco. It covers the whole wall of the nave. The "Passion and and Crucifixion of Christ" is defined by great expressiveness and vividness of the individual scenes.

Neuenburg Castle and the collegiate church have shaped the townscape of Neuenburg since the 12th century. The architecturally striking building complex is enthroned on a rocky outcrop above the city.

A significant building with a Renaissance facade. In the interior you will find numerous frescoes and important Baroque decorations.

The free Walsers settled in the Calfeisen Valley as early as the 14th Century. The church of St. Martin was first mentioned in the annals of 1432.

The «Ambassadors’ Nativity Scene» is a rarity and sure to attract all nativity scene lovers to Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque town.

Basel – Switzerland’s capital of art and culture Nestling in the heart of Europe in the three countries corner where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel is a pocket-sized metropolis that combines proverbial Swiss quality with a multicultural population. More than 40 museums with their long-established collections and spectacular special exhibitions are the foundation of Basel's reputation as a city of art and museums.

Martinskirche (St. Martin's Church) is found in the little village of Zillis in Graubuenden. The church is famous for its painted ceiling dating to the 12th century. The ceiling painting, which consists of 153 panels, is the only one in the world that is nearly completely preserved.

The Romansch name “Mistail” comes from the Latin word “Monasterium” and means “monastery”. Mistail is just one of many historically significant churches in Parc Ela. Grand murals in four layers grace the inside of this beautiful church.

The Grossmünster is an Evangelical Protestant church in the Old Town of Zurich and the city's landmark. The view from the church towers is spectacular: far across Lake Zurich to the Alps.

The high tower of St. Martin's Church dominates the Chur landscape.

The Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent is the most impressive late-Gothic building in the city and the largest and most important late medieval church in Switzerland. From this highest church tower in Switzerland you may admire a magnificent view.