Castle Church (Schlosskirche), Spiez 
The ancient tower (c.900-1000 AD).
Entrance to the Schlosskirche.
Interior from apse towards the entrance.
The author admiring the apse frescoes.
Main apse fresco, with medallion of Christ.
The Schlosskirche or Castle Church of Spiez is an attractive Romanesque church picturesquely situated at the end of a rocky peninsula overlooking Lake Thun.
Regularly used for weddings by locals, the Schlosskirche is well worth visiting for its faded frescoes in the apse and the crypt.
Spiez is a small German-speaking town of about 12,500 inhabitants in the Canton of Bern, best known for the castle above the harbor (next to the Castle Church) and its fine views over the lake. Spiez is along a major rail line and makes an easy day trip from Bern or Interlaken.
History
Christianity first arrived in this area around 500 AD through the work of Irish missionaries. With Einigen and Scherzligen, the church at Spiez is among the oldest missionary churches in the Berner Oberland.
The existence of a Carolingian church on this site is first recorded in 762, in connection with the donation of the Ettenheim/Elsass Monastery by Bishop Heddo of Strasbourg.
The Schlosskirche that stands today was probably founded around 900-1000 AD in connection with the kingdom of Upper Burgundy (centered around Lake Geneva c.880-1032). Its architecture is consistent with that of Lombardian churches of the 9th and 10th centuries.
Spiez belonged to the diocese of Lausanne and was ruled by the Strättligen, Bubenberg and Erlach lords (a monument in the floor of the left aisle commemorates Albrecht von Erlach).
Since 1907, the Schlosskirche has served the parish of Spiez; in 1929 it came under the ownership of the Stiftung Schloss Spiez (Spiez Castle Foundation).
Today, the Schlosskirche of Spiez is used by locals for weddings and tourists often stop by after a tour of the adjacent castle.
What to See
Both the exterior and interior of the three-aisled Castle Church are Early Romanesque. The square tower is even older than the church, and probably belongs to the earliest church that stood here. The spire was added in 1628.
The stone interior is austere yet manages to be cozy and welcoming. The graduated ceilings over the nave, aisles and apse make a unique harmony of individual components.
The frescoes in the elevated apse, which is approached by a rather monumental stairway, and in the crypt (under the apse and entered from the left aisle) are the clear highlights of a visit despite their faded state.
The apse frescoes feature Christ Enthroned within a medallion, surrounded by saints and other images. Be sure to turn on the electric floor lamps conveniently placed beneath the frescoes for a good look.
The content of the crypt frescoes is unknown, as the gate to the crypt was unfortunately locked during my visit and written sources are scarce.
There is also a fine stone pulpit and interesting altars and monuments in the small chapels at the tops of each side aisle.
See our Spiez Photo Gallery for many more photos of this interesting church.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Schlosskirche; Schloss Kirche; Castle Church; Romanesque church |
| Type of site: | Parish church |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
| Dates: | c.900-1000 AD |
| Location: | At the end of the peninsula and next to the castle overlooking Lake Thun (Thunersee), Spiez, Canton Bern, Switzerland |
| Hours: | Usually left unlocked during the day |
| Cost: | Free |
Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Schlosskirche in Spiez. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Switzerland Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Kirche Spiez - Kultur BeO
- Personal visit (December 2006).
