St. Matthew Church (Matthäuskirche), Lucerne

Saint Matthew’s Church is an interesting example of Gothic Revival architecture and holds a special place in Lucerne’s history as the city’s first Protestant church. Its beginnings can be traced to the early 19th century, when German and English visitors began campaigning for a Protestant congregation in Lucerne. Even King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia supported the cause, donating a valuable communion chalice when the Reformed congregation was established in 1827.

The present three-aisled basilica was designed around 1860 by the well-known Zurich architect Ferdinand Stadler, who took inspiration from English church architecture. Construction was made possible with financial support from across Switzerland. A reminder of this contribution can be seen in the side windows, displaying the coats of arms of 22 Swiss cantons.

The owner of the nearby Schweizerhof Hotel donated a suitable plot of land for the church. The foundation stone was laid on January 30, 1860, and just over a year and a half later, on September 29, 1861, the completed church was inaugurated.

As you approach the entrance, look for the sandstone relief dedicated to the Lucerne reformer and humanist Oswald Geisshüsler, better known as Myconius, who lived from 1488 to 1552.

Inside, one of the main features is the large stained-glass window in the choir. It depicts the four Evangelists together with their traditional symbols. From left to right, you’ll see Luke with a bull, Mark with a lion, Matthew with an angel, and John with an eagle. At the back of the church stands the organ, built in 1971 by the organ-making firm J. Neidhart and G. Lhôte.

Saint Matthew’s also has an interesting connection with the German composer Richard Wagner. While living in Lucerne between 1866 and 1872, Wagner married his second wife, Cosima von Bülow, here on August 25, 1870.

The church is normally open on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm.