St Theodulus' Church of Gruyères, Catholic church in Gruyères, Switzerland

St Theodulus' Church of Gruyères stands on Rue de l'Église in the walled town, its square tower topped by a bulbous onion dome. The nave and choir are built of local stone, and the tower holds a ring of nine bells. A gilded statue of Saint Theodulus stands in a niche on the facade.

The church was founded in 1254 by the Bishop of Lausanne as an independent parish, separated from Bulle. Major reconstructions occurred following devastating fires in 1679 and 1856, reshaping the building.

The church is dedicated to Saint Theodulus, a bishop of Sion and abbot of Saint-Maurice whose cult spread through the Valais and into Fribourg territory. In Gruyères his feast is still observed, and the parish church carries his name in local processions and celebrations.

The church stands on Rue de l'Église, a short climb from the main square of Gruyères; the street is paved but slopes. The entrance is at the west front, and the interior is entered through a porch. Visitors should avoid visiting during Mass times, which are posted at the door.

The tower's nine bells were cast in 1856 by the Bournez foundry in Fribourg, replacing those lost in that year's fire. The largest weighs several hundred kilos. Look for the bell-ringer's wooden treadwheel still housed in the belfry, used to swing the heaviest bell by foot.