Church of St. Martin, Zillis
Graubünden
The Church of St. Martin in Zillis, located in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, is a Romanesque aisleless church renowned for its intricately painted wooden ceiling dating back to the early 12th century. The current structure was built between 1096 and 1114, featuring a nave constructed with Cipollino marble masonry. The painted ceiling, composed of 153 wooden panels depicting biblical scenes and symbolic imagery, is one of the rare surviving examples of Romanesque artwork of this period. The church also features a Gothic vaulted chancel added in 1509 and a spire installed in 1677. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several restorations, notably between 1938 and 1940, and further preservation efforts have continued to the present day. It is an active member of the Evangelisch-reformierte Landeskirche Graubünden and remains a significant cultural property of national importance in Switzerland. The church's façade is adorned with a monumental Saint Christopher painting, symbolizing protection for travelers and pilgrims. Visitors can admire the exceptional artistic and historical value of the ceiling as well as the church's architectural evolution through the Middle Ages and Reformation periods.
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Tip: Visit the Church of St. Martin during the daily opening hours from 10:00 to 17:30 for the best experience. Avoid visiting on special closure dates such as August 13-14 and certain religious occasions like Pentecost Monday, when the church may close early. Consider checking the official website for updates on conservation works affecting access. Advance ticket purchase is not required, but visitors should respect ongoing preservation efforts and seasonal restrictions to protect the delicate painted ceiling. The best time to visit is outside peak tourist seasons to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Interesting facts
- •The painted wooden ceiling consists of 153 panels arranged in nine rows of seventeen, depicting biblical scenes and symbolic figures from the Romanesque period.
- •The ceiling is one of the few nearly complete and unpainted Romanesque wooden ceilings preserved in Europe, comparable only to rare examples like the Alte Kirche in Dädesjö, Sweden.
- •The Saint Christopher fresco on the western façade is a monumental painting intended to protect travelers from sudden death, a common medieval motif.
- •The ceiling panels were painted on fir wood with a thin plaster base, indicating the artist's expertise in manuscript illumination techniques.
- •The church is listed as an 'A-Class' cultural property of national significance in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property.
- •The heating system installed in 1940 caused slow damage to the ceiling due to temperature and moisture fluctuations, leading to changes in congregation meeting practices to preserve the artwork.
History
Archaeological evidence indicates a settlement in Zillis during the late Roman era, with the first church built around the 5th or 6th century.
A second church is documented around 830, gifted by Emperor Otto the Great to the Bishop of Chur circa 940.
The present Romanesque church was constructed between 1096 and 1114, including the installation of the famed painted wooden ceiling shortly after.
In the 14th century, the Waltensburger Meister added the Saint Christopher fresco on the western entrance.
The Gothic choir was added in 1509, and the church joined the Reformed Church during the 1530s Reformation, which led to the loss of some interior paintings but spared the ceiling.
The spire was rebuilt in 1677, with major restorations in the 20th century focusing on preserving the ceiling and structural integrity.
Place Guide
Painted Wooden Ceilingc. 1114
This exceptional ceiling features 153 square panels painted with biblical scenes, including the life of Christ, Old Testament figures like King David and Solomon, and symbolic oceanic creatures representing evil. The panels are arranged in a grid of nine rows by seventeen columns, showcasing high Romanesque artistry with vivid colors and detailed iconography.
Saint Christopher Fresco on Western Façade1320-1340
Painted between 1320 and 1340 by the Waltensburger Meister, this large fresco covers the western entrance façade. Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers and pilgrims, is depicted to protect visitors from sudden death and is accompanied by a protective roof.
Gothic Vaulted Chancel1509
Added in 1509 by architect Andreas Bühler from Carinthia, the polygonal vaulted chancel represents a late Gothic architectural addition to the Romanesque church, enhancing its spatial and stylistic complexity.
Romanesque Tower with Octagonal Spire12th century (spire 1677)
The church tower, built in the early 12th century, was topped with the current octagonal spire in 1677 by Peter Zurr. It features a large colorful clock face on the east side beneath the belfry.
Contact
Phone: 081 661 22 55
