Christ Church

Once you’ve passed through the city walls, you’ll arrive in front of Lucerne’s Christuskirche, dedicated to Jesus Christ. In Switzerland, the religious wars of the 16th century led to a division between Catholic and Protestant cantons. The southern regions near Italy remained largely Catholic, while the north and central parts became predominantly Protestant. Lucerne is something of an exception, as it has remained mostly Catholic throughout the centuries. That began to shift in 1874, when Switzerland adopted a new federal constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion. This church was built shortly after, becoming the first Protestant place of worship in the region to be constructed under the new law. It’s now the main Protestant parish in the canton, both modern and progressive. Pastors may marry, women can hold the same positions as men, and same-sex couples can receive blessings. Moreover, church leaders are elected democratically by the parish assembly. I highly recommend stepping inside, even briefly, to admire the mural behind the altar. Painted in the 1970s by Swiss artist Steivan Liun Konz—best known for dragons and mermaids—the work blends beautifully into the church’s architecture and brings a spiritual touch to the space.