Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul, Sarnen
Obwalden
The Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul in Sarnen, Switzerland, is a baroque Roman Catholic hall church prominently located in the oldest southwestern part of the town. Constructed between 1739 and 1742, it incorporates remnants of earlier churches dating back to before the year 1000, including Romanesque masonry in its eastern tower. The church was built under the direction of architect Franz Singer after the initial builder Joseph von Brüel passed away. Its unusual orientation features a double-tower portal facade on the south and a polygonal choir to the north. The interior is spacious with a three-aisled nave, barrel vaults, and exquisite Regence stucco, ceiling paintings, altars, and choir stalls. Over centuries, the church evolved from a Romanesque structure to a Gothic church in the 15th century, and finally to its current baroque form. It is regarded as a cultural heritage site of national significance in Switzerland. The church underwent several renovations, including a major restoration between 1966 and 1970 that returned much of its baroque character. Its commanding position overlooking Lake Sarnen and its distinctive twin onion dome towers make it a landmark of the region.
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Astuce: Visit during weekdays in spring or early summer for a peaceful experience and to admire the natural light inside. Check the local parish website for mass times and special events. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended for groups. Discounts may be available for seniors and groups. The church is accessible via local transport and has nearby parking facilities.
Faits intéressants
- •The church incorporates masonry from a Romanesque church dating back before 1000 AD in its eastern tower.
- •Its baroque rebuild features a rare double-tower portal facade oriented southward, unusual for churches in the region.
- •The church is listed as a cultural property of national significance in Switzerland.
- •A 1737 painting by Josef Remigi Budmiger depicts the previous Gothic church accurately, showing the transition in architectural styles.
- •The 1964 earthquake caused significant damage to the vaults, prompting a restoration that revived the church's baroque character.
Histoire
Excavations and preserved Romanesque masonry indicate a church existed on the site before 1000 AD.
The original Romanesque church was replaced in the 12th century and transformed into a Gothic church by the mid-15th century, consecrated in 1459.
In the early 18th century, the church was deemed structurally unsound, leading to a baroque rebuild from 1739 to 1742, designed by Franz Singer.
The double-tower facade and polygonal choir represent a unique orientation.
The east tower was completed in 1784, while the west tower was finished much later in 1881.
The church underwent interior renovations in 1883 and a major restoration after earthquake damage in 1964, restoring its baroque features.
Guide du lieu
Double-Tower Portal Facade1742
The striking southern facade is framed by two slightly angled towers topped with onion domes, creating a commanding presence overlooking Lake Sarnen. The facade features a prominent cornice connecting the towers visually with the main building.
Interior Nave and Choir1739-1742
A spacious three-aisled hall church with a barrel vault and supporting arches. The polygonal choir is flanked by sacristies with galleries. The interior boasts refined Régence stucco, ceiling paintings, altars, pulpit, organs, and choir stalls.
Historical East Towerpre-1000 (Romanesque), baroque completion 1784
The eastern tower preserves masonry from the original Romanesque church predating 1000 AD. It was integrated into the baroque facade and capped with an onion dome in 1784.