Marien Wädenswil

Marien Wädenswil, known locally as St. Marien, is a captivating neo-Romanesque church nestled in the picturesque town of Wädenswil, Switzerland. This enchanting edifice is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich tapestry of history and culture that has woven itself into the fabric of this charming locale. Whether you're an architecture aficionado, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, Marien Wädenswil promises to be a delight for all.

The Historical Tapestry

The roots of Marien Wädenswil stretch back to the medieval era, with the first recorded mention of a church in Wädenswil dating back to 1265. However, archaeological digs have unearthed an even older Carolingian chapel, which was subsequently replaced by a Romanesque and later a Gothic church. The Gothic tower of this earlier church stood tall until it was remodeled during the Reformation in 1637-1638. Initially, the church was under the patronage of the Lords of Wädenswil, but it changed hands several times, ultimately coming under the control of the city of Zurich in 1549.

With the advent of the Reformation in Zurich in 1523, the residents of Wädenswil were initially resistant to the new faith. However, pressure from Zurich’s council eventually led to the Reformation being implemented in Wädenswil as well. Despite these changes, the medieval altars remained in the church until the mid-16th century, when Zurich acquired the church's patronage.

The Birth of Marien Wädenswil

Following the Reformation, Catholic worship was prohibited in Zurich’s territories. It wasn’t until the Toleration Edict of 1807 that Catholics were allowed to hold services again, albeit initially limited to Zurich city. The subsequent freedoms of the Helvetic Republic and the Swiss Federal State saw Catholics from Central and Eastern Switzerland, as well as from nearby Catholic regions, settling in Wädenswil. By 1860, the Catholic community in Wädenswil had grown to 251 members, who were primarily affiliated with the St. Verena parish in Wollerau.

In 1881, the first Catholic service since the Reformation was held in Wädenswil's old Eidmattschulhaus by Father Bosshard from Horgen. The Catholic community soon acquired a house and land in Eidmatt, where they set up a makeshift chapel. The mission station in Wädenswil was initially overseen by the monks from Einsiedeln Abbey. By 1890, the Catholics of Wädenswil had formed a church building association and acquired land on Etzelstrasse for the construction of a new church.

Construction of the present-day Marien Wädenswil began in 1894, with August Hardegger appointed as the architect. The church, which seats 800, was completed in 1897 and consecrated on July 18 of the same year. The adjacent rectory was built in 1898, and the church received its first artistic decorations between 1898 and 1901.

Architectural Splendor

Marien Wädenswil stands as a neo-Romanesque basilica with a semicircular apse and an arcade on the exterior. The church's façade is adorned with small round-arched windows and clad in Bollinger sandstone. A striking feature is the bell tower, crowned with a pointed spire, which houses four bells cast by the H. Rüetschi foundry in Aarau. The clock on the tower, installed in 1903, was crafted by the Johann Mannhardt company in Munich.

Interior and Artistic Treasures

The church's interior has evolved over the years. Initially, it featured neo-Romanesque elements, including a high altar by Johann Nepomuk Neumann and ceiling paintings by Franz Vettiger. However, a major renovation in 1972-1973, led by architect Josef Riklin, replaced the original opulent interior with a more austere design in line with the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Despite these changes, the church retains several notable artworks. Among them is a late Gothic Pietà in the northern aisle and a bronze crucifix by Albert Schilling in the choir. The Stations of the Cross, created by Susana Polac and installed in 1995, are considered a significant example of contemporary religious art in the region.

The Organ

Marien Wädenswil's first organ was installed in 1906, built by Carl Theodor Kuhn. This was replaced in 1960 by a new organ from Orgelbau Kuhn AG, featuring 26 stops on two manuals and a pedal. The organ underwent a revision in 1995 by organ builder Norbert Stengele from Horgen.

Beyond Marien Wädenswil

In addition to the main church, the Catholic parish of Wädenswil oversees two chapels: the St. Anna Chapel in Wädenswiler Berg and the Bruder Klaus Chapel in Au. These chapels, along with Marien Wädenswil, serve as spiritual havens for the local Catholic community.

Marien Wädenswil is more than just a church; it is a beacon of faith, history, and community in the heart of Wädenswil. Whether you're exploring its rich past, admiring its architectural beauty, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, Marien Wädenswil offers a serene and enriching experience for all who visit.