Jesuit Church, Lucerne
Luzern
The Jesuit Church in Lucerne, Switzerland, stands as the first major Baroque church built north of the Alps in the country. Established by the Jesuit order, who were instrumental in the Counter-Reformation, the church was constructed between 1666 and 1677 to serve as part of a Jesuit college founded in 1577. Its architecture features a striking façade with Ionic pilasters and onion-domed towers completed in the 19th century. The interior is notable for its vaulted ceiling decorated in the mid-18th century, elaborate stuccoes by Heinrich Mayer, and rich frescoes by the Torricelli brothers depicting Saint Francis Xavier, the church's patron. The high altar, designed by Christoph Bruck with a painting by Francesco Innocenzo Toriani, glorifies Saint Francis Xavier, reflecting the Jesuit mission's global reach. The church holds original vestments of Brother Klaus, a Swiss patron saint. Over the centuries, it has undergone multiple renovations, the latest completed in 2017, preserving its cultural and architectural significance. Situated on the left bank of the Reuss river in Lucerne's old town, it remains a prominent religious and historical landmark.
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Tip: Visitors should consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the church's rich art and history. Tickets can often be purchased on site; however, checking the official website for special events or concert schedules is advised. The church offers insights into Baroque art and the Counter-Reformation period, making it ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts. Accessibility is good, and the nearby Lucerne Theater and old town provide additional exploration opportunities.
Interesting facts
- •The Jesuit Church is the first large Baroque church built north of the Alps in Switzerland.
- •Its onion-topped towers were only completed in 1893, over 200 years after construction began.
- •The church's vault was redecorated in the mid-18th century with frescoes by the Torricelli brothers.
- •It houses the original vestments of Brother Klaus, a renowned Swiss patron saint.
- •The high altar painting depicts Saint Francis Xavier in glory, symbolizing Jesuit missionary work worldwide.
History
The Jesuit Church was commissioned by the city council of Lucerne in 1573 to establish a Jesuit college as a response to Protestant Reformation movements in Switzerland.
Construction of the church began in 1666, with the shell and main façade completed by 1673.
The church was consecrated in 1677, although interior decorations and the high altar were finished in subsequent years due to financial constraints.
The iconic onion-shaped towers were added much later, in 1893.
The vault was redecorated in the mid-18th century, and the church has undergone significant renovations in the 1950s, 1970s, and most recently in 2017 to preserve its historic character.
Place Guide
Main Façade1666-1677 (façade), 1893 (towers)
The church's façade features five vertical axes and two main stories, articulated by Ionic pilasters and horizontal cornices. The upper gables are crowned with a gilded cross, and the octagonal bell towers with onion domes are 19th-century additions.
High Altar1681
Designed by Christoph Bruck based on Heinrich Mayer's plans, the high altar features three-tiered columns, pilasters, and a broken segmental pediment. The altar painting by Francesco Innocenzo Toriani depicts Saint Francis Xavier's glory, surrounded by angels and the Virgin Mary.
Interior FrescoesMid-18th century
The vaulted ceiling frescoes by Giovanni Antonio and Giuseppe Antonio Torricelli illustrate Saint Francis Xavier's missionary journeys, symbolized by animals such as an elephant, dromedary, horse, and cheetah pulling his chariot.
Side Chapels and Stucco Work1672-1673
Stucco decorations in the side chapels were created by Heinrich Mayer, showcasing intricate Baroque craftsmanship and some of the earliest examples of the Wessobrunner School style in Switzerland.
Contact
Phone: 041 240 31 34
