Leonhardskirche

The Leonhardskirche

The Basel audio-guided tour invites you to quiet contemplation before the Leonhardskirche, one of the oldest churches of the city, perched on a small height above the centre.

From an Augustinian monastery to the reformed church

The origins of the Leonhardskirche go back to the eleventh century, and its Romanesque crypt, dating from around 1080, is the oldest part still visible. In the Middle Ages, an important Augustinian monastery was located here, before the church was largely destroyed in the earthquake of 1356. Rebuilt afterwards in Gothic style, with great star vaults that give it a luminous and slender appearance, it became Protestant after the Reformation and today hosts the French-speaking reformed community of Basel.

What there is to see

Inside, in contemplation, the visitor discovers the Romanesque crypt, the Gothic star vaults and an organ whose eighteenth-century case recalls the instruments of the famous Alsatian builder Andreas Silbermann, still used during concerts. Around the church, the former buildings of the monastery have known several lives. It is a place laden with history, to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Leonhardskirche is on a height above the centre of Basel. A place of worship of the reformed community, it can generally be visited during the day, with respect for silence and services, the hours possibly varying according to the season and the programme of concerts.

What is the oldest part of the Leonhardskirche?

Its Romanesque crypt, dating from around 1080; the church has origins going back to the eleventh century.

What was there around the Leonhardskirche in the Middle Ages?

An important Augustinian monastery, whose former buildings have since known several uses.