Stadtkirche Winterthur

Stadtkirche Winterthur, the Evangelical Reformed city church of Winterthur, stands as one of the city's most iconic landmarks. This stunning piece of architecture, listed as a cultural property of national significance, not only serves as a place of worship but also as a testament to the city's rich historical tapestry. Dedicated to the three city saints, St. Lawrence, St. Alban, and St. Pancras, this church is a must-visit for anyone exploring Winterthur.

The Historical Evolution of Stadtkirche Winterthur

The history of Stadtkirche Winterthur is a fascinating journey through time, with its origins tracing back to the early Middle Ages. The first church on this site was a simple wooden structure built in the 7th or 8th century on a small elevation near a Roman road leading to the former Vitudurum fort. By the 9th century, this wooden church was replaced by a more substantial stone building, which was a third longer than its predecessor.

Significant changes occurred around the year 1000 when northern and southern extensions were added, likely serving as burial chapels for a local noble family. In the late 11th or 12th century, the church was completely rebuilt as a Romanesque hall church with a south-side aisle. This period also saw the visit of Bernard of Clairvaux in 1146, who preached to the people of Winterthur.

The 13th century marked the construction of the Romanesque-Early Gothic choir, one of the oldest surviving parts of the church, inspired by the Fraumünster in Zurich. The devastating city fire of 1313 necessitated further renovations, and by the 14th century, the church had expanded its side aisles, giving it a new appearance. The 15th century saw the city's citizens gaining more control over the church, leading to the establishment of side altars by the city's elite.

The most recent major construction phase occurred between 1486 and 1518. During this time, a second tower was built on the south side of the choir, and the nave was extended westward, albeit slightly narrower than before. The Reformation brought significant interior changes, including the removal of the original rich furnishings and the ossuary in 1792. The church's windows were replaced with Neo-Gothic ones by Max Ainmiller between 1853 and 1856, and the churchyard was closed in 1826.

The Towers, Clocks, and Bells

The oldest traces of the north tower date back to between 1180 and 1362. The south tower was added between 1486 and 1490, receiving its first bells shortly thereafter. The north tower attained its current form in the 16th century, with the older tower walls still visible in its foundations. The smaller south tower was raised to 55 meters in 1659 and adorned with a Baroque dome, dragon gargoyles, and a clock by Winterthur clockmaker Tobias Liechti. This clock was replaced with an electric mechanism in 1923.

In 1794, the north tower was raised to match the height of the south tower, using Tuff stone from the Tüfels Chilen in the Tösstal region. Both towers now feature Baroque domes, giving them their distinctive appearance. The south tower received its second, lower sundial in 1823.

In 1869, the church was equipped with a five-bell chime by Johann Jakob Keller, distributed between the two towers. The largest bell weighs 3999 kg and strikes the note A°, while the smallest weighs 255 kg and strikes the note C#.

Interior and Furnishings

Originally, the nave was richly decorated, but much of this was removed during the Reformation. The current pulpit, created by Ferdinand Stadler in 1854, replaced the original one, which was moved in 1644. One of the oldest relics is the baptismal font by Hans Conrad Frei, dating back to 1656. The wooden ceiling with flax carvings, installed in 1712, was replaced by a plaster ceiling in 1913, and later by a coffered ceiling.

The church's interior was decorated with Romanesque-style paintings by Paul Zehnder between 1923 and 1930, depicting Old Testament prophets and New Testament scenes. The Transfiguration scene above the chancel arch shows Christ on Mount Tabor between Elijah and Moses.

Among the pre-Reformation relics is the tombstone of Elisabeth von Bach († 1519), a South German noblewoman and benefactor of the city. Another tombstone of Magdalena von Fulach (1587–1650) was discovered during renovations in 1923 but has since been lost. Visitors can still see preserved remnants of the church's various construction phases dating back to the 9th century, as well as the heraldic painting by Hans Haggenberg from 1493.

The Organs of Stadtkirche Winterthur

Stadtkirche Winterthur boasts two main organs. The first, installed in 1809, was originally built by Karl Joseph Riepp for the Salem Monastery between 1766 and 1768. After the monastery's dissolution, a Winterthur councilor purchased the organ for the church. It was initially placed on the rood screen, which was removed in 1836, and the organ was reinstalled on the west gallery. The current Walcker organ, dating from 1888, features 56 registers and incorporates elements from the original instrument.

The choir organ, built by Metzler in 1983, has 18 registers on two manuals and a pedal. Additionally, a small positive organ by Armin Hauser, built in 2012, features nine registers.

In conclusion, Stadtkirche Winterthur is not just a place of worship but a living museum of architectural evolution and historical significance. Its walls and towers echo the stories of centuries past, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Winterthur. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a curious traveler, the Stadtkirche Winterthur offers a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage of this beautiful Swiss city.