Franciscan Church, Lucerne, Medieval Catholic church in Lucerne, Switzerland
The Franciscan Church is a medieval Catholic church building in Lucerne that blends Gothic features with baroque elements in its design. Two distinct towers were added in 1893 and have defined its external appearance ever since.
Franciscan monks built the church between 1270 and 1280 as a place for their prayer and community. The order remained at this location until 1838, when their religious role at the site shifted.
The church holds a finely decorated pulpit that reflects craftsmanship from the Renaissance to baroque transition period. This piece stands out for its intricate carving and its role in the spiritual life of the community over centuries.
Access is available on most weekdays and admission is free for all visitors. The location in the city center makes it easy to find and works well as part of a day of exploring the area.
The monastery gardens next to the church served as a burial ground from 1600 to 1798 when other cemeteries became overcrowded. This use shows how the church and its surroundings were woven into daily city life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
