The Jesuit Church

You’re now standing before the famous Jesuit Church of Lucerne. Nestled along the Reuss River, it’s visible from many points around the city. It’s a defining feature of Lucerne’s skyline — and one of its most photographed sites. This was the first religious Baroque building in Switzerland, inaugurated in 1677. Like many Jesuit churches, its design was inspired by the Church of the Gesù in Rome—a symbol of the Jesuit’s prestige and a masterpiece of 16th-century Baroque architecture. Baroque art emerged during the Catholic Counter-Reformation as a response to the austere ideals of Protestantism. The aim of this dramatic aesthetic was to stir strong emotions among the faithful and convey the overwhelming power of God. No wonder this church is often called the most beautiful in Switzerland. Protestant ideas took root in Switzerland, especially in Geneva, a major stronghold of Calvinism and a key centre of the Reformation. The Jesuits were sent to Lucerne, the only major city in Switzerland that remained Catholic, to revive the faith and push back against Protestant influence. In case you’re unfamiliar with the Jesuits, they were a religious order founded by Ignatius of Loyola, a former Spanish soldier. They focused on education and charity, founding schools and universities across the world. They fought those they considered heretics and played an active role in the evangelisation of Indigenous peoples in the New World. The sculpture above the church’s main entrance depicts Saint Francis Xavier, the church’s patron saint, with a young Native American convert. There’s just one problem… Francis Xavier was indeed a missionary, but his missions took place in India and Japan, not the Americas. The figure beside him is likely due to a historical mix-up. The church had no towers for nearly 200 years. In the late 19th century, raffle tickets were sold for one franc each to raise funds to build them. At the time, a franc was no small sum, but the raffle was a great success, and the two onion-domed towers were built in no time. Be sure to step inside and take a look around. The interior is breathtaking, with painted ceilings, a grand high altar, and a magnificent organ. The church is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. Take your time exploring… When you’re ready, we’ll meet you outside.