I have been to Luzern countless times but have probably done what most people do when moving to a foreign city, you visit lots of new places every week, but then start to find a few favourites and start only to frequent those and don’t really venture out of your comfort zone. So it is a bit embarassing to say after living only 30 minutes away from Luzern, this was my first visit to the Church of St. Leodegar.
The Church was built in parts from 1633 to 1639 on the foundation of the Roman basilica which had burnt in 1633. This church was one of the few built north of the Alps during the Thirty Years War and one of the largest and art history rich churches of the German late renaissance period. It is impressive with it’s vaulted, white stone interior and twin Gothic belltowers.
Coming from South Africa where our churches are so “young” I think it incredible that such an impressive building would be “your” neighbourhood church if you live in Luzern. It is amazing to think that hundreds of years ago the same services that were held then still take place today and that you would be baptised, have your first communion, confirmation and maybe even your wedding in such a historic place. Takes my breath away.
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