Elisabethenkirche (Saint Elisabeth Church), Basel

Standing beside Basel Theatre, Saint Elisabeth Church is one of Switzerland’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Built between 1857 and 1864, it was the first new Protestant church constructed in Basel after the Reformation.

The church was financed by wealthy Basel businessman and philanthropist Christoph Merian and his wife, Margaretha Merian-Burckhardt. Architect Ferdinand Stadler designed the building in a style inspired by medieval Gothic churches, creating an imposing structure whose slender 72-metre spire rises even higher than the towers of Basel Minster. Merian died in 1858 and therefore never saw the completed church.

Before entering, admire the soaring spire, pointed arches and elaborate stonework. Inside, slender columns support elegant ribbed vaulting, while the beautiful stained-glass windows are among the church’s most attractive features. Its historic organ was built in 1862 and later expanded to include 41 working stops.

Beneath the choir lies the crypt containing the tombs of Christoph and Margaretha Merian, whose black marble sarcophagi reflect the couple’s close connection with the church.

Since the 1990s, Saint Elisabeth Church has operated as Switzerland’s first Open Church, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and promoting an explicitly inclusive approach. Alongside religious services, the building hosts an unusually varied programme of events, ranging from concerts and panel discussions to fashion shows and cultural performances. A special service is also traditionally held during Basel Carnival.

Its combination of dramatic architecture and unconventional modern role makes Saint Elisabeth Church an interesting contrast to Basel’s older historic churches.