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Church and Tourism

Reformation and architecture

The fundamental principles of the Swiss Reformed Churches are also reflected in their architecture.

As listening to the Word of God (sola scriptura) is a central concern, the interior should provide as little distraction as possible. The interiors of older churches thus often have the appearance of a simple hall of prayer. The pulpit is normally elevated and the organ is also clearly visible. Most of the Reformed Churches have a communion table and a font. There are also historic reasons for this plain design: the late-medieval practice of indulgence was in part combined with images and statues, which in the Reformation led to the iconoclasm. Images were removed from the churches (sola gratia, sola fide) sometimes in an orderly, sometimes in tumultuous fashion. Instead of looking at images, the faithful should learn to read the Bible.

A certain reluctance to images is still evident in the interiors of Reformed Churches, however frescoes, images, stained-glass windows and works of art can be found in pre-Reformation and modern Reformed Churches. Newer churches want to encourage more community participation, e.g. by the arrangement of benches. And the buildings are often designed and fitted out to allow a variety of different uses.

Because Jesus Christ is Lord of the Church of the World, a Reformed Church is not reserved as a holy place. It can be used as a venue for secular events, for example concerts, school diploma awards, police certification ceremonies etc. Correct behaviour and silence is always expected in a Reformed Church. There are no areas where entry is forbidden but you will search in vain for an altar, holy water or relics. In contrast there are many Reformed Churches in which you can light a candle or find a book for prayer requests.

To try out
Pay a visit to a Reformed Church near you. Can you recognize the fundamental principles of the Reformation in the building structure and interior design? Or can you identify a development that no longer takes these principles into account? For what reasons? Do you have a favourite place in this church?

Links
Dependably open doors Churches that keep their doors open for visitors
Description of all churches in Canton Graubunden
Virtual tour of selected churches in Switzerland

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