Obere Kirche, Romanesque church in Regensdorf, Switzerland.
The Obere Kirche is a Romanesque church dating to the 12th century, built with thick walls of uncut pebbles and featuring an almost square interior layout. The building maintains a precise east-west orientation that reflects the careful planning of its medieval builders.
The church dates to the 12th century when the Barons of Regensberg built it on unused land near their castle. Later transformations saw the building repurposed, particularly during the 16th century when its original religious role began to change significantly.
The interior walls contain fragmentary Romanesque paintings from the 12th century depicting the Three Kings and the Crucifixion. These wall paintings offer a window into the religious imagery that was important to medieval believers.
The church remains in active use for religious services and community events throughout the year. It is best to check in advance about access and opening times, as these may vary depending on scheduled services and activities.
After the Reformation, the building was converted into a warehouse in the 1540s, with the main entrance enlarged to accommodate barrel storage. This unexpected reuse reveals how communities adapted religious buildings for practical purposes during times of religious change.
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