St. Peter Church Zurich

St. Peter is the oldest parish church in Zürich, and it stands on a small hill on the left bank of the Limmat, in the old town, below the Lindenhof. The church site has a long history, with early medieval structures going back to around the ninth century and probably earlier, and the present building brings together many periods. Its Romanesque tower dates from the thirteenth century and is the oldest part, and the nave, which was rebuilt in the early eighteenth century, is a Baroque hall, plain and bright, in which the Reformed congregation could hear the sermon. Together, they make an unusual combination of a medieval tower and an early modern auditorium, and the building has the dignity of a place that has been used continuously for worship for more than a thousand years.

The tower is best known for its clock. The dial on the tower, at 8.7 metres across, is generally recognised as the largest church clock face in Europe, and the minute hand alone is about four metres long. It is visible from across the river and from many parts of the old town and the lake shore, and for Zürich residents it is a familiar sight that has told the time for centuries. The enormous face is painted with gold numerals on a dark blue ground and presents an image of precision that suits the Swiss reputation for clock making. A guard once lived at the top of the tower, with the task of watching for fires, and the post was occupied until the early twentieth century, when it was one of the last of its kind in Europe.

Inside, the church is sober and spacious. The nave has a flat, stuccoed ceiling and large windows, which fill the interior with daylight, and the pulpit is placed centrally, in keeping with the Reformed focus on preaching. Among the features is a memorial to the mayor Rudolf Brun, a leading figure of the fourteenth century, who is buried in the church, and the building is also connected to Johann Kaspar Lavater, the pastor and writer, who preached here from 1778 until his death in 1801 and who attracted visitors from across Europe, among them Goethe. The organ is used for regular concerts, and the church hosts services and events throughout the year.

The location is a pleasant part of the old town. The Peterhofstatt, the small square in front of the church, is a quiet spot with a fountain, and from here steps lead up to the Lindenhof, with its view of the river and the old town. A short walk away are the Fraumünster, the Münsterhof and Bahnhofstrasse, so the church fits naturally into a walk through the historic centre. The tower is generally closed to the public, but the exterior and the clock can be admired from the street, and there are views of the face from the river quay.

Entry to the church is free, though donations are welcome, and it is generally open during the day, with restrictions during services and events. It is a working church, so visitors should dress modestly and speak quietly. A visit takes fifteen to thirty minutes. The church suits history readers, architecture lovers and anyone who enjoys quiet interiors. Check opening times locally, since they vary.