St. Martin parish church, Structure of worship in Olten, Switzerland.
St. Martin is a parish church in Olten featuring three naves arranged in a columned basilica design with Romanesque Revival architectural elements. The structure omits a transept and demonstrates clean geometric lines throughout its interior layout.
The church was built in 1910 by architect August Hardegger, replacing a temporary chapel that had served the Catholic community since 1876. This construction marked the transition from an interim solution to a permanent building for religious life.
The church serves as a central gathering place for the local Catholic community and shapes the religious rhythm of Olten. You can see how the spacious interior supports both regular worship and community events.
The church is conveniently located near the city center and main railway station, making it easy to reach on foot. Visitors should check regular opening times before entering, as access may vary depending on services or events.
The building is the largest clearance church in Canton Solothurn, surpassing even the capacity of Solothurn Cathedral. This scale reflects the strong demand from Olten's growing Catholic population at the start of the 20th century.
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