St. Peter's Church, Zermatt
Saint Peter's Church, also known as the English Church, stands as a symbol of the town's history and enduring ties to British visitors. This sacred place has been intertwined with the rich tapestry of Zermatt's past, playing a significant role in the resort's development and representing the golden age of alpinism. British visitors were among the first to venture to this alpine wonderland, and Saint Peter's Church became an essential institution for the English-speaking community.
The idea to build an English church took shape in May 1865, and a donation list was initiated shortly thereafter. Notably, the Catholic hoteliers Alexander Seiler and Joseph Clemenz were among the first to contribute, highlighting their ecumenical and inclusive views. The tragic event of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, where several climbers lost their lives, including Lord Francis Douglas, Douglas R. Hadow, and the Reverend Charles Hudson, did not deter the initiative but rather intensified the resolve to create the church.
On 29 June 1869, a mere five years after the inception of the donation list, the foundation stone for Saint Peter's Church was laid. Within a year, on 29 June 1870, the inaugural service took place, marking the beginning of the church's storied existence.
Inside this historic sanctuary, numerous plaques serve as touching memorials to mountaineers who shared deep bonds with Zermatt and its alpine wonders. Among them lies the remains of the Reverend Charles Hudson, buried beneath the main altar, a poignant reminder of his enduring connection to this sacred space.
The idea to build an English church took shape in May 1865, and a donation list was initiated shortly thereafter. Notably, the Catholic hoteliers Alexander Seiler and Joseph Clemenz were among the first to contribute, highlighting their ecumenical and inclusive views. The tragic event of the first ascent of the Matterhorn, where several climbers lost their lives, including Lord Francis Douglas, Douglas R. Hadow, and the Reverend Charles Hudson, did not deter the initiative but rather intensified the resolve to create the church.
On 29 June 1869, a mere five years after the inception of the donation list, the foundation stone for Saint Peter's Church was laid. Within a year, on 29 June 1870, the inaugural service took place, marking the beginning of the church's storied existence.
Inside this historic sanctuary, numerous plaques serve as touching memorials to mountaineers who shared deep bonds with Zermatt and its alpine wonders. Among them lies the remains of the Reverend Charles Hudson, buried beneath the main altar, a poignant reminder of his enduring connection to this sacred space.
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St. Peter's Church on Map
Sight Name: St. Peter's Church
Sight Location: Zermatt, Switzerland (See walking tours in Zermatt)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Zermatt, Switzerland (See walking tours in Zermatt)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Zermatt, Switzerland
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Zermatt Introduction Walking Tour
Cradled at the foot of the Matterhorn mountain, whose snow-capped summit bears stoically against the sky, the small Swiss town of Zermatt is a veritable mecca for mountaineers and skiers, much as for discerning wanderers who dare to embark upon a journey of discovery.
The evidence of human habitation here dates back as far as the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages, Zermatt was a farming village and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The evidence of human habitation here dates back as far as the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages, Zermatt was a farming village and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles