Predigerkirche (Preacher's Church), Basel
The Preacher's Church (Predigerkirche) stands as a remarkable Christian Catholic church in Basel, nestled near the University Hospital in the suburban quarter. Originally built between 1233 and 1237 as a Dominican monastery church, it underwent significant Gothic transformation during a reconstruction period from 1262 to 1269. Its choir, consecrated in 1269 by Albertus Magnus, Bishop of Regensburg, marked its prominence as one of the first Gothic-style churches along the Upper Rhine.
The church's history bears the scars of the 1356 Basel earthquake, which necessitated extensive renovations. During this period, frescoes depicting Mary, John the Baptist, and Dominican saint Vincent Ferrer were created. In the 15th century, it served as a key venue for participants of the Council of Basel (1431鈥�1449).
Distinctive features include the People Church (Leutkirche), separated from the choir by a partially transparent rood screen, and an early 15th-century baptismal font adorned with rose motifs. The vaults' keystones showcase simple leaf patterns and symbols of the evangelists. A stone bell tower, crowned with an open lantern and tracery, replaced the original wooden roof turret in 1423 under the direction of Master Johannes, known as Cun, with local execution by Hans Bofferlin.
The church endured the destructive iconoclasm of 1529, losing nearly all its furnishings, and the monastery was dissolved. Over time, it served various functions: the choir became a fruit and salt store in the 17th century, and its former monastery garden housed Basel University鈥檚 botanical collection from 1692 to 1836. After significant renovations in 1876鈥�1877, the church found a new purpose with the Christian Catholic community. Its treasures include a gilded medieval cross and three contemporary icons from 2003 depicting the Mother of God, baby Jesus, and the archangels Gabriel and Michael.
The church鈥檚 organ is another highlight. Built by Johann Andreas Silbermann between 1767 and 1769, it has undergone several relocations and upgrades, most recently in 1979 by Metzler Orgelbau. The instrument features 28 stops, mechanical actions, and a baroque-style west gallery, continuing the church鈥檚 legacy as a place of spiritual and cultural resonance.
The church's history bears the scars of the 1356 Basel earthquake, which necessitated extensive renovations. During this period, frescoes depicting Mary, John the Baptist, and Dominican saint Vincent Ferrer were created. In the 15th century, it served as a key venue for participants of the Council of Basel (1431鈥�1449).
Distinctive features include the People Church (Leutkirche), separated from the choir by a partially transparent rood screen, and an early 15th-century baptismal font adorned with rose motifs. The vaults' keystones showcase simple leaf patterns and symbols of the evangelists. A stone bell tower, crowned with an open lantern and tracery, replaced the original wooden roof turret in 1423 under the direction of Master Johannes, known as Cun, with local execution by Hans Bofferlin.
The church endured the destructive iconoclasm of 1529, losing nearly all its furnishings, and the monastery was dissolved. Over time, it served various functions: the choir became a fruit and salt store in the 17th century, and its former monastery garden housed Basel University鈥檚 botanical collection from 1692 to 1836. After significant renovations in 1876鈥�1877, the church found a new purpose with the Christian Catholic community. Its treasures include a gilded medieval cross and three contemporary icons from 2003 depicting the Mother of God, baby Jesus, and the archangels Gabriel and Michael.
The church鈥檚 organ is another highlight. Built by Johann Andreas Silbermann between 1767 and 1769, it has undergone several relocations and upgrades, most recently in 1979 by Metzler Orgelbau. The instrument features 28 stops, mechanical actions, and a baroque-style west gallery, continuing the church鈥檚 legacy as a place of spiritual and cultural resonance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Basel. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Predigerkirche (Preacher's Church) on Map
Sight Name: Predigerkirche (Preacher's Church)
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Basel, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Basel
Creating your own self-guided walk in Basel is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Basel's Historical Churches
Basel is the city of churches. Indeed, nowhere else in Switzerland will you find as many of them, both old and new, as here. Despite serious losses to the Reformation period, a good number of local temples have survived. Today, the vast majority of religious buildings, including the listed medieval Basel Minster, belong to the Evangelical Reformed Church.
The towers and spires of ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The towers and spires of ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Basel Old Town Shopping Walk
Basel鈥檚 Old Town is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. It is a place where you can see buildings from the 15th century as well as contemporary structures. The architectural diversity of this well-preserved historical area is stunning as are the shopping opportunities.
On the left bank of the Rhine is Grossbasel, which encompasses the Old Town and many mainstream shops. On... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
On the left bank of the Rhine is Grossbasel, which encompasses the Old Town and many mainstream shops. On... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Basel Introduction Walking Tour
The modern and bustling city of Basel gets its name from a third-century Roman castle that stood here. It is likely the modernization of "Villa Basilius," or "Estate of Basilius." Interestingly, the basilisk has been closely associated with the city and used in the coat of arms and coins. The association is likely simple assonance rather than anything more profound.
However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles