Minster Church of St. Martin
Schwyz
The Minster Church of St. Martin in Schwyz, Switzerland, is a late Baroque hall church renowned for its monumental facade and historical significance. Dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, the church has served as the patron church of the town and canton of Schwyz for centuries. The current building, constructed between 1769 and 1774 by Jakob Singer and Johann Anton Singer, features architectural elements blending late Baroque with classical influences. The church interior houses an impressive organ originally built in the 1770s, updated over time to a modern instrument with 48 registers. The church tower contains a historically valuable six-bell carillon, with bells cast by notable founders including Jost Rüttimann and Giovanni Antonio Peccorino. Adjacent to the church is the "Kerchel," a late Gothic two-story charnel house and chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael, built between 1518 and 1520. The church grounds also include the Heiligkreuzkapelle, erected after a devastating village fire in 1642, containing a preserved late Gothic crucifix. St. Martin’s Church remains a focal point for religious celebrations, including the Martinstag (St. Martin’s Day) on November 11, which is a local holiday. Its rich history, architectural grandeur, and cultural importance make it a unique landmark in the heart of Schwyz.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during weekdays to attend the regular services or special events such as the Martinstag celebrations on November 11. Livestreams of services are available via the church’s official website, allowing remote participation. Booking ahead is not typically required for visits, but checking the church’s schedule online is recommended to catch special liturgies or concerts. The church’s historical significance and artworks can be best appreciated with a guided tour, if available locally. Visitors should also explore the adjacent Kerchel and Heiligkreuzkapelle for a fuller experience of the church complex.
Interesting facts
- •The church’s patron, Saint Martin of Tours, was also the patron saint of the canton of Schwyz and featured on its historical seals and coins.
- •The church’s Kerchel served both as a charnel house for storing human bones and a chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael, accessible via two staircases.
- •The church’s organ includes a historic baroque case from the 1770s, housing a modern instrument with 48 registers, blending heritage and contemporary craftsmanship.
- •The church tower’s six bells include five cast by Jost Rüttimann and a large bell weighing approximately 3650 kg cast by Giovanni Antonio Peccorino.
- •The Heiligkreuzkapelle houses a late Gothic crucifix that survived the 1642 village fire, flanked by baroque figures and 18th-century angels.
History
The first church in Schwyz dedicated to Saint Martin was built in the early 8th century, serving as the spiritual heart of the community.
Around the year 1000, a second Ottonian church was constructed but was likely destroyed by an earthquake in 1117.
The third church, a Romanesque building, was consecrated in 1122.
In the 15th century, a larger Gothic three-aisled hall church replaced the earlier structure, with the tower’s lower part dating from 1481.
After the village fire of 1642, the church was rebuilt in a similar form.
By the 1760s, the building was deemed too small and structurally unsound, leading to the construction of the current late Baroque church between 1769 and 1774.
The adjacent Kerchel was built between 1518 and 1520 as a charnel house and chapel.
The church has undergone several organ upgrades, reflecting evolving musical traditions over centuries.
Place Guide
Main Church Nave and Facade1769-1774
The monumental late Baroque facade faces both the main square and the Herrengasse, showcasing classical architectural elements. Inside, the nave offers a spacious hall church design with intricate stucco work and paintings on the vaulted ceiling.
Historic Organ1770s (original), 1970 (modernization)
Originally built in the 1770s by Franz Joseph Bouthillier, the organ has been modernized while preserving its original baroque wooden case. It now features 48 registers across three manuals and pedal, made by Orgelbau Kuhn in 1970.
Church Tower and BellsVarious, including early 18th century and 19th century
The tower houses a six-bell carillon, with five bells cast by Jost Rüttimann from different years and the largest bell cast by Giovanni Antonio Peccorino weighing about 3650 kg. The bells are of significant historical value.
Kerchel (Charnel House and Chapel)1518-1520
Built between 1518 and 1520, the two-story late Gothic Kerchel served as a charnel house for storing bones and a chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The chapel is accessible via two staircases and was used for masses and processions.
Heiligkreuzkapelle (Holy Cross Chapel)1645
Constructed in 1645 after the 1642 village fire, this chapel contains a late Gothic crucifix that survived the fire, flanked by Baroque statues and 18th-century angels. It stands on the former cemetery grounds surrounding the church.
Contact
Phone: 041 818 61 10
