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 <div class="toggled well well-sm" id="link"> <button type="button" class="close" aria-hidden="true">×</button> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8"> <small>share full URL</small> <input class="full" type="text" value="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/switzerland/spiez-castle-church"> </div> <div class="col-md-4"> <small>share short URL</small> <input class="short" type="text" value=" http://sdest.co/319236"> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-12"> <small>embed link code</small> <input class="embed" type="text" value="<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/switzerland/spiez-castle-church">Schlosskirche, Spiez</a> - Sacred Destinations"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header>   <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-7" id="essay">  <p class="lead"><b>Spiez</b> is a small German-speaking town of about 12,500 inhabitants in the Canton of Bern, best known for its castle and its fine views over the lake. Spiez is along a major rail line and makes an easy day trip from <a href="bern">Bern</a> or Interlaken.</p> <p class="lead">The Romanesque <b>Schlosskirche</b> or <b>Castle Church</b> of Spiez is picturesquely situated at the end of a rocky peninsula overlooking Lake Thun. Regularly used for weddings by locals, the pretty Schlosskirche is well worth visiting for its faded <b>Romanesque frescoes</b> in the apse and the crypt.</p>  <div class="ad ad-rect-top"><div class="ad" id="ad-rect-top"> <script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>  <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:100%;height:280px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3007722683096311" data-ad-slot="6831773382"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <small>advertisement</small> </div> </div>  <h2>History of Schlosskirche</h2> <p>Christianity first arrived in this area around <b>500 AD</b> through the work of <a href="../ireland/index.htm">Irish</a> missionaries. With Einigen and Scherzligen, the church at Spiez is among the oldest missionary churches in the Berner Oberland.</p> <p>The existence of a <b>Carolingian</b> church on this site is first recorded in <b>762</b>, in connection with the donation of the Ettenheim/Elsass Monastery by Bishop Heddo of <a href="../france/strasbourg-cathedral.htm">Strasbourg</a>.</p> <p>The Schlosskirche that stands today was probably founded around <b>900-1000 AD</b> in connection with the kingdom of Upper Burgundy (centered around Lake Geneva c.880-1032). Its architecture is consistent with that of Lombardian (northern Italian) churches of the 9th and 10th centuries.</p> <p>Spiez belonged to the diocese of <a href="lausanne-cathedral">Lausanne</a> and was ruled by the Strättligen, Bubenberg and Erlach lords (a monument in the floor of the left aisle commemorates Albrecht von Erlach).</p> <p>Since 1907, the Schlosskirche has served the <b>parish</b> of Spiez; in 1929 it came under the ownership of the Stiftung Schloss Spiez (Spiez Castle Foundation).</p> <p>Today, the Schlosskirche of Spiez is used by locals for weddings and tourists often stop by after a tour of the adjacent castle.</p> <h2>What to See at Schlosskirche</h2> <p>Both the exterior and interior of the three-aisled Castle Church are <b>Early Romanesque</b>. The square <b>tower</b> is even older than the church, and probably belongs to the earliest church that stood here. The spire was added in 1628.</p> <p>The stone <b>interior</b> 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.</p> <p>The <b>frescoes</b> in the elevated <b>apse</b>, which is approached by a rather monumental stairway, and in the <b>crypt</b> (under the apse and entered from the left aisle) are the clear highlights of a visit despite their faded state.</p> <p>The <b>apse frescoes</b> 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.</p> <p>The content of the <b>crypt frescoes</b> is unknown to us, as the gate to the crypt was unfortunately locked during our visit and written sources are scarce.</p> <p>There is also a fine <b>stone pulpit</b> and interesting <b>altars and monuments</b> in the small chapels at the tops of each side aisle.</p>  <div id="648683611"> <script type="text/javascript"> try { window._mNHandle.queue.push(function () { window._mNDetails.loadTag("648683611", "495x250", "648683611"); }); } catch (error) {} </script> </div>  <section class="facts"> <h2>Quick Facts on Schlosskirche</h2> <table> <tr class="subhead"><td colspan="2">Site Information</td></tr> <tr><th>Names:</th><td>Castle Church of Spiez · Kirche Spiez · Schlosskirche · Spiez Schlosskirche</td></tr> <tr><th>Categories:</th><td><a href="/categories/churches">churches</a>; <a href="/categories/lakeside-setting">lakeside setting</a></td></tr> <tr><th>Styles:</th><td><a href="/categories/romanesque">Romanesque</a></td></tr> <tr><th>Dates:</th><td>10th C</td></tr> <tr><th>Status: </th><td>active</td></tr> <tr class="subhead"><td colspan="2">Visitor and Contact Information</td></tr> <tr><th>Coordinates:</th><td>46.689119° N, 7.688563° E</td></tr> <tr><th>Address:</th><td>Thunersee<br>Spiez, Switzerland</td></tr> <tr><th>Hours:</th><td>Usually unlocked during the day</td></tr> <tr><th>Lodging:</th><td><a href="http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?aid=803880&latitude=46.689119&longitude=7.688563&radius=5&label=coordinates319236">View hotels near Schlosskirche</a></td></tr> </table> <small>Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.</small> </section>  <section class="refs"> <h2>References</h2> <ol> <li>Personal visit (December 2006).</li> <li><a href="http://www.kulturbeo.ch/Kirchen/kirchenhtm/spiezc.htm">Kirche Spiez</a> - Kultur BeO </li> </ol> <h2>More Information</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos">Photos of Schlosskirche</a> - here on Sacred Destinations</li> </ul> </section>  </div>  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-5 imgs"> <figure class="lz" data-src="http://static.sacred-destinations.com/img/655/gohistoric_21556_m.jpg"> <a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos/fx01_165p2"></a> <figcaption>View of the Schlosskirche from Spiez Castle. <span>© Holly Hayes</span></figcaption> </figure>    <figure class="lz" data-src="http://static.sacred-destinations.com/img/755/gohistoric_21557_m.jpg"> <a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos/eos_c_071p"></a> <figcaption>North exterior of the Schlosskirche. <span>© Holly Hayes</span></figcaption> </figure> <figure class="lz" data-src="http://static.sacred-destinations.com/img/855/gohistoric_21558_m.jpg"> <a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos/eos_c_067p"></a> <figcaption>The Schlosskirche is picturesquely situtated on Lake Thun. <span>© Holly Hayes</span></figcaption> </figure> <figure class="lz" data-src="http://static.sacred-destinations.com/img/955/gohistoric_21559_m.jpg"> <a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos/d80_c_046"></a> <figcaption>The ancient tower (c.900-1000 AD). <span>© Holly Hayes</span></figcaption> </figure> <figure class="lz" data-src="http://static.sacred-destinations.com/img/065/gohistoric_21560_m.jpg"> <a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos/eos_c_013"></a> <figcaption>Entrance to the Schlosskirche. <span>© Holly Hayes</span></figcaption> </figure> <figure class="lz" data-src="http://static.sacred-destinations.com/img/165/gohistoric_21561_m.jpg"> <a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos/eos_c_046p"></a> <figcaption>Interior, looking from the apse towards the entrance. <span>© Holly Hayes</span></figcaption> </figure> <figure class="lz" data-src="http://static.sacred-destinations.com/img/265/gohistoric_21562_m.jpg"> <a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos/d80_c_020p"></a> <figcaption>Frescoes in the apse. <span>© Holly Hayes</span></figcaption> </figure> <figure class="lz" data-src="http://static.sacred-destinations.com/img/365/gohistoric_21563_m.jpg"> <a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos/eos_c_026p"></a> <figcaption>Main apse fresco, with medallion of Christ. <span>© Holly Hayes</span></figcaption> </figure> <figure class="lz" data-src="http://static.sacred-destinations.com/img/465/gohistoric_21564_m.jpg"> <a href="/switzerland/spiez-castle-church/photos/eos_c_038p"></a> <figcaption>Frescoes and sketches of apostles. <span>© Holly Hayes</span></figcaption> </figure>  <div id="956877862"> <script type="text/javascript"> try { window._mNHandle.queue.push(function () { window._mNDetails.loadTag("956877862", "300x250", "956877862"); }); } catch (error) {} </script> </div> </div> </div>  <h2>Map of Schlosskirche, Spiez</h2> <p>Below is a location map and aerial view of Schlosskirche. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.</p> <div id="map_canvas"></div>  <br> <div class="ad" id="ad-leader-bottom"> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:728px;height:90px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3007722683096311" data-ad-slot="8448107380"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </article> </div> </div>  <footer> <div id="footer_menu"> <ul> <li><a href="/">Sacred Sites & Religious Places</a></li> <li><a href="/about">About</a></li> <li><a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e8898c858186a89b898b9a8d8cc58c8d9b9c8186899c8187869bc68b8785">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="/privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a></li> </ul> <p>Sacred Destinations is an online travel guide to sacred sites, religious travel, pilgrimages, holy places, religious history, sacred places, historical religious sites, archaeological sites, religious festivals, sacred sites, spiritual retreats, and spiritual journeys. </p> <p>Sacred Destinations is an independent editorial publication. 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