Aarau city church

The Aarau city church, known locally as Reformierte Stadtkirche, is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and serene spirituality nestled in the charming old town of Aarau, Switzerland. This late Gothic edifice, built between 1471 and 1478, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of ecclesiastical architecture and the Reformation's profound impact on the region. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the rich history, architectural marvels, and unique features of this historic church.

The Historical Tapestry of Aarau City Church

The origins of the Aarau city church trace back to archaeological discoveries in the 1930s and 1960s, revealing evidence of a church structure dating as far back as the 10th and 11th centuries. This early church was situated in today's Telliquartier, near a ford over the Aare River. By the second half of the 13th century, the original church had been meticulously dismantled, leaving only its foundation.

Fast forward to 1275, and historical records indicate that Aarau had a new church, which, however, was subordinate to the parish of Suhr. This single-nave structure, with a northeast-facing, three-sided closed choir, was later enhanced with a tower in 1426/1427. The current Aarau city church began its construction in 1471 under the direction of master builder Sebastian Gisel from Laufen, incorporating the existing tower from the previous church.

The construction materials, primarily stone blocks from the demolished Gösgen Castle, were transported via barges on the Aare River to the building site. By 1478, the church was completed, and in July 1479, it was consecrated by the auxiliary bishop of Constance in honor of the Virgin Mary. The Reformation of 1528 brought significant changes, including the destruction of the church's twelve altars and various images. In 1663, master builder Simon Erismann raised the church tower, which also received a clock that same year.

Architectural Splendor

Perched on the northwest edge of Aarau's old town, the Aarau city church commands attention with its austere yet elegant late Gothic design. The church, with its white plastered facades, features a three-aisled basilica under a long, gabled roof. The roof ridge, adorned with a pointed ridge turret, extends to the three-sided closed choir. The adjacent side aisles, stepped down with pent roofs, allow the clerestory of the nave to stand freely.

True to the architectural style of mendicant orders, the church's facade is unadorned. The pointed arch windows of the side aisles and the lancet windows of the choir are framed in shell limestone and feature Gothic tracery at their apex. The ridge turret, crowned with a rooster, is a 1965 reconstruction housing a small bell.

The church tower, inherited from its predecessor, is segmented into six stories by cornices. The belfry, located in the topmost story, houses seven bells cast by the Aarau bell foundry H. Rüetschi in 1862 and 1899. The uppermost part of the tower showcases Baroque elements.

Interior Elegance

The interior of the Aarau city church mirrors the exterior's clean lines, exuding a solemn yet celebratory atmosphere. The nave and choir are separated by a rood screen that spans the church's entire width, featuring seven wide-spanned pointed arch arcades. Originally, altars were placed under these bays until their removal during the Reformation. Along the longitudinal axes of the nave, arcades continue to enhance the architectural rhythm.

Stunning Stained Glass

The Aarau city church is renowned for its exquisite stained glass windows. The six windows in the choir, crafted by artist Felix Hoffmann, were created between 1940 and 1953. These windows, depicting various biblical scenes from the Old and New Testaments, serve as a Biblia pauperum (Bible of the poor). The east-facing windows feature darker hues to mitigate the morning sun's glare, while the south-facing windows are bathed in lighter tones. Additionally, artist Roland Guignard created eight windows in the side aisles between 1968 and 1970, portraying the Lord's Prayer through abstract compositions.

Historical Treasures

Embedded in the floor of the nave, near the back wall of the rood screen, are three gravestones marking the resting places of prominent individuals from the late 15th century. The pulpit, crafted in 1967, is made of wood and adorned with carvings inspired by those in the Church of St. Mary and Michael in Churwalden. The baptismal font dates back to the church's original furnishings from 1475.

The Majestic Organs

The Aarau city church boasts two remarkable organs. The main organ, with its late Baroque prospect designed by Johann Konrad Speissegger, was originally installed around 1700. After several relocations and renovations, it now features a modern organ work by Orgelbau Kuhn, comprising four manuals, a pedal, 61 registers, and 4685 pipes. A smaller organ, also crafted by Orgelbau Kuhn in 1983, adorns the north wall of the choir, replacing an earlier instrument from 1939.

The Resonant Bells

The church's grand bell ensemble, cast by the local bell foundry H. Rüetschi, resonates with a solemn Wachet-auf motif in A-flat major. This impressive set of seven bells, cast in 1862 and 1899, is housed in the church's lofty tower. Additionally, a smaller bell, weighing 81 kg and cast in 1966, resides in the ridge turret, striking a high A-flat note.

The Aarau city church, with its rich history, architectural elegance, and serene ambiance, stands as a beacon of Aarau's cultural and spiritual heritage. Whether you're an architecture aficionado, a history buff, or a traveler seeking tranquility, this historic church promises a memorable and enriching experience.