Catholic Church of St. Martin on Kirchbühl with Ossuary

The Catholic Church of St. Martin rises on a hilltop above Lake Sempach with thick walls and a sandstone tower made of rough stone. The building combines Romanesque features with a simple, strong structure that has defined it for over a thousand years.

Archaeological research shows Roman villa foundations beneath the current church, with the present structure dating to around 1000. This layering reveals how the sacred site has been valued and built upon across different eras.

The interior features painted walls from the 1300s showing Christ, Mary, and saints in bright colors that fill the entire space. These images tell biblical stories and reveal how people of that era understood and connected with religious teachings.

The church opens to visitors during regular hours and provides access to main areas for people with mobility needs. The location sits on a hill, so sturdy footwear is advisable when approaching the building and exploring the surroundings.

The church preserves its original Gothic altars without baroque reworking, setting it apart from many regional churches that underwent later changes. This rarity makes it a valuable place to understand how medieval worship spaces were originally designed.

Location: Sempach

Inception: 10 century

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: list of cultural properties in Sempach

Address: Kirchbühl 11.2 (22.1), 6204 Sempach

GPS coordinates: 47.14521,8.18666

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:25