See Lucerne’s Jesuit Church Interiors (+ Photography Tips)
Notes & Disclaimer: (1) Google seems to be having a hiccup. Please use other search engines to find more guides and articles from WanderInEurope. (2) This website is reader supported. And this post might have affiliate links. This means we could earn a small commission if you make a qualifying purchase. No additional cost to you. More info: Disclosure.
Aside from the scenic views, there are other beautiful things in Lucerne that make me love this city so much. Even more, they’re free to visit! I can take in such beauty as long as I like, as many times as I want.
One of them is the Jesuit Church — unmissable for anyone, no matter how long they plan to visit Lucerne, be it a 1-day visit, 2-day stay, or a 3-day Lucerne getaway.
This church is a must-see because, why not? It’s located within walking distance from the train station and other attractions in the city like Chapel Bridge and Musegg Wall. Visiting it requires no effort at all! In fact, every walking tour of Old Town Lucerne I know includes a stop at the Jesuit Church.
But most importantly, the Jesuit Church is a picturesque landmark, and its interiors are simply gorgeous!
The Jesuit Church may not compare to the grand churches in Italy and Spain, but if you’ve been to Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Vienna, the baroque splendor inside this church might feel familiar. The Jesuit Church isn’t a particularly unique attraction in Lucerne, so like you, I wondered if this church was worth visiting at first.
But once you see what’s inside, I believe you’ll also understand that it’s nice to see, even if just for a few moments.
What’s Inside?
Check out this gallery showing the beautiful interiors of the Jesuit Church.
Photography Spots
While the Jesuit Church is often just a brief stop on a trip to Lucerne, it remains a worthwhile destination, particularly for photography enthusiasts.
Yes, its interiors may not be as breathtaking as other European churches, but its appearance alone offers numerous photo opportunities. The abundant details within the Jesuit Church and its stunning architectural proportions are undeniably photogenic.
If you were to ask me, “Are there also photo opportunities outside the Jesuit Church?” My response would be a resounding yes! There’s no need to wonder where these spots are, as I can tell you exactly.
In summary, they’re situated along the Reuss River, and finding them requires no effort at all.
Here are the four places where I recommend taking photos of the Jesuit Church:
- Ristorante Da Ernesto (Rathausqai)
- Behind the Town Hall or Rathaussteg footbridge
- Reussbrücke (bridge)
- Chapel bridge
Let me explain why I recommend these places.
One of the most iconic shots of the Jesuit Church includes Mount Pilatus in the background. If that’s the image you’re aiming to capture, I suggest you head to Rathausquai, located in front of Ristorante Da Ernesto. Powerful cameras can zoom in to capture the church’s red tower with the snow-capped peak of Mount Pilatus in the backdrop.
From Ristorante Da Ernesto, take a short walk towards the Jesuit Church to reach the rear of Lucerne’s town hall or the Rathaussteg footbridge.
This footbridge is one of the most picturesque spots in the old city, offering a panoramic view of the cityscape with the imposing Renaissance facade of Lucerne’s town hall at the center.
Most importantly, from the Rathaussteg footbridge, you can find an unobstructed view of the Jesuit Church, perfect for appreciating the church’s north and eastern facades.
The photo spot lies just before you enter the footbridge. At the back of the town hall, you can photograph the Jesuit Church framed by the street lamps of the footbridge.
If you’re an early riser, you might also want to visit Reussbrücke to see or photograph the Jesuit Church.
This is the bridge you can see from the Rathaussteg footbridge when facing the Jesuit Church. For me, Reussbrücke is one of the best places in Lucerne to record a timelapse of the city’s sunrise.
It even has benches where you can sit while you record the sun rising from the horizon, with the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church in the scene. You can add a creative touch to your shot with its beautiful iron-wrought railings.
Among the places I mentioned, the Chapel Bridge offers the most opportunities for creative photography of the Jesuit Church.
You can use the bridge’s posts, wooden balustrades, and flower decorations as frames for your photos of the Jesuit Church.
Visiting Information
The Jesuit Church isn’t difficult to locate, particularly if you’re already in Lucerne and strolling along the banks of the Reuss River.
You can spot the Jesuit Church from as far as the Chapel Bridge and Seebrücke, both of which are just a few steps away from Lucerne’s train station.
It’s one of the tallest buildings on the banks of the Reuss River (on the left side if you’re facing the Chapel Bridge or the old city). Its onion-top towers should catch your eye quickly.
To be specific, the Jesuit Church is situated in Jesuitenplatz, which is connected to the train station by Bahnhofstrasse. The church is approximately half a kilometer from the train station, a walk of about 6 to 7 minutes.
Entry to the Jesuit Church in Lucerne is free, and it’s open daily from 6:00 am until 6:30 pm. On Mondays and Thursdays, however, it opens later, at 9:30 am. (This information is according to the app.)
Before you visit the Jesuit Church, be sure to download the church’s smartphone application. It can provide insights into the architecture and history of the church, as well as information about events and the latest visitor details.
You might find this article helpful:
Resources
So, that wraps up what I can share about the Jesuit Church for now. I hope this brief guide has given you a glimpse of what to anticipate inside the Jesuit Church. If you’re planning a visit, the links provided below will help you make the most of your time there.
- iOS App for Jesuit Church Tour
- Android App for Jesuit Church Tour
- Official website of the Jesuit Church
Plan Your Trip Now
Here are my recommended services
In addition to the Jesuit Church, the Church of Saint Leodegar is another architectural gem worth visiting in Lucerne. It boasts a unique blend of Gothic and German Renaissance styles, and its facade is perfect for Instagram. Don’t forget to check out the Lion Monument of Lucerne, another iconic city landmark.
Lastly, if you’re looking for more ideas on what to see in Switzerland, I’ve got a 4-day and a 6-day itinerary that can help you explore this beautiful country, whether you’re planning an extended weekend trip or a week-long journey.