Franzsische Kirche (French Church), Bern

Franzsische Kirche (French Church), Bern

If you like old churches, Französische Kirche is not to be missed. Französische Kirche, also known as the French Church, is the oldest church in Bern. It initially was built from 1270-1285 in the Romanesque style. It started as a Dominican monastic church, but since 1623, it has served as a place of worship for French-speaking Protestants.

The church is famous for its rood screen located behind the alter. The rood screen, which was built at the same time as the church, was decorated in 1495 with paintings from the artists of the Bernese Carnation Masters who were a group of anonymous Gothic painters active in Swiss territory between 1479 and 1510. Bernese Carnation Masters created some of the most important religious art in Switzerland and their works are featured in the museums. Here you get to see their work for free.

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Franzsische Kirche (French Church) on Map

Sight Name: Franzsische Kirche (French Church)
Sight Location: Bern, Switzerland (See walking tours in Bern)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Bern, Switzerland

Create Your Own Walk in Bern

Create Your Own Walk in Bern

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bern is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bern's Historical Churches

Bern's Historical Churches

Bern has an impressive number of historical churches that span several centuries, each featuring a unique architectural style, beautiful paintings and interior decorations. Take this self guided walking tour to visit the most important historical churches and cathedrals where Bern residents go to pray and express their religious beliefs.

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Bern Introduction Walking Tour

Bern Introduction Walking Tour

The de facto capital of Switzerland and the eponymous German-speaking canton, Bern is commonly referred to by the Swiss as their "federal city". Built around a crook in the Aare River, it traces the origins back to the 12th century. According to the local legend, Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, founder of Bern, vowed to name the city after the first animal he killed on the hunt, which...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Fountains and Statues Walking Tour

Fountains and Statues Walking Tour

With over 100 public fountains in its Old City alone, Bern has a well-deserved reputation as the "City of Fountains". During the medieval time, the local life revolved around fountains since they provided water to residents and served as public places for news exchange and social gatherings.

Bernese used to decorate their fountains and built elaborate statues in the middle of them....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

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