Elisabethenkirche
Basel-Stadt
Elisabethenkirche, located in the heart of Basel next to Theater Basel, is a prime example of Swiss Gothic Revival architecture. Constructed between 1857 and 1864 by architect Ferdinand Stadler, it was the first new church built in Basel since the Reformation. The church features a striking 72-meter bell tower with internal stairs and a three-nave vaulted hall interior capped by a five-sided choir polygon. Funded by philanthropist Christoph Merian and his wife Margarethe, who are interred in black marble sarcophagi in the crypt, the church was intended as a monument against the secularization of society. Today, it functions as the "Open Church Elisabethen," serving spiritual, cultural, and social needs of diverse urban communities, including active support for the LGBT community. It hosts unique events such as the Fasnachtsgottesdienst honoring Basel's Carnival and has even been a venue for punk concerts and club nights. The church welcomes nearly 50,000 visitors annually, reflecting its role as both a historic monument and a dynamic community hub.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to climb the 72-meter tower for panoramic views of Basel. The best time to visit is during the Carnival season to experience the Fasnachtsgottesdienst, a special service honoring this local tradition. Tickets for regular entry are generally not required, but checking the official website for special event reservations is advised. Discounts may be available for groups and those with cultural memberships. The church is accessible via public transportation and offers a welcoming atmosphere for all, including the LGBT community.
Interesting facts
- •Elisabethenkirche's 72-meter tower surpasses the height of the towers of Basel Minster.
- •The church was the first new church built in Basel after the Reformation, marking a significant religious milestone.
- •Its construction employed steel beams similar to those used in the Eiffel Tower, showcasing innovative 19th-century engineering.
- •The church hosts the Fasnachtsgottesdienst, a unique service celebrating Basel's famous Carnival.
- •It functions as Switzerland's first "Open Church," promoting inclusivity and support for the LGBT community.
History
The Elisabethenkirche site has hosted religious buildings since the late 13th century, beginning with a chapel associated with Basel's city hospital.
After the Reformation, the previous church was converted into a filial church of Basel Minster and underwent renovations in the 17th and 19th centuries.
The current Elisabethenkirche was constructed from 1857 to 1864, funded by Christoph Merian and his wife Margarethe, with architect Ferdinand Stadler winning a design competition.
It was intended as a counterpoint to the secular trends of the time and was the first new church built in Basel since the Reformation.
The church's construction involved innovative steel reinforcements similar to those used in the Eiffel Tower, allowing for a relatively rapid build.
The Merians are buried in the crypt beneath the church, commemorated by busts created by notable sculptors.
Place Guide
Bell Tower and Spire1864
The 72-meter tall bell tower features internal stairs allowing visitors to climb and enjoy panoramic views of Basel. Its steel construction includes riveted and screwed beams similar to those used in the Eiffel Tower, reflecting 19th-century engineering innovation.
Crypt and Sarcophagi of Christoph and Margarethe Merian1864
Beneath the main floor lies the crypt where the church's benefactors, Christoph Merian and his wife Margarethe Burckhardt-Merian, rest in black marble sarcophagi. The crypt also houses busts of the couple created by sculptors Heinrich Rudolf Meili and Ferdinand Schlöth.
Interior Hall and Choir Polygon1864
The church interior is designed as a three-nave vaulted hall church ending westward in a five-sided choir polygon. The space includes galleries accessible via side entrances and a private loge for the Merian family opposite the stone pulpit.
Historical Organ1862
The church houses a historic organ built in 1862 by Joseph Merklin, expanded in 1949. It remains a central feature for liturgical music and cultural events within the church.
Contact
Phone: 061 272 03 43
