Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church

The church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

A contemplative stop on the Berne audio-guided tour, the church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is the first Catholic building in the city and the episcopal seat of the Christian Catholic Church of Switzerland. It was built at the end of the nineteenth century thanks to an international architecture competition.

A historicist style

The plans came from France, by the architect of the Paris city hall, who proposed a historicist style, drawing on the styles of the past brought up to date. The whole imitates the language of the Romanesque and early Gothic periods, very fashionable at the time.

What to see

The ceiling paintings and stained-glass windows date from the Art Nouveau period, and the choir was entirely redesigned in 1998. The church is listed as a cultural property of importance. Enter this building with quiet and respect for the place of worship to appreciate its harmony.

Practical information

The church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is near the city hall, in Berne's old town. Like any active place of worship, it is visited with respect for silence and services; hours should be checked depending on the season.

What is special about the church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul ?

It is the first Catholic building in Berne and the episcopal seat of the Christian Catholic Church of Switzerland.

When do the church's stained-glass windows date from ?

From the Art Nouveau period, like the ceiling paintings.