Fortified Church of St. Arbogast, Romanesque fortified church in Muttenz, Switzerland
The Fortified Church of St. Arbogast is a religious building with a rectangular choir, thick stone walls, and a bell tower located in Muttenz. A seven-meter-high defensive rampart completely surrounds the structure, creating a rare medieval fortified church complex.
The site has been used as a place of worship since the 6th century and received its first documented mention in 793. Following the severe Basel earthquake of 1356, the building was substantially reconstructed and took on its current form.
The interior walls display medieval frescoes showing biblical scenes and holy figures that were painted over during the Protestant Reformation starting in 1528. These hidden artworks reveal the spiritual life of an earlier era before the church took its current Protestant form.
The church is located at Kirchplatz 1 and visits require advance arrangement with the local community. Visitors should contact ahead to confirm opening times and access conditions for viewing.
This building is the only church in Switzerland completely surrounded by defensive walls. This extraordinary fortification was necessary to protect the community during the uncertain times of the medieval period.
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