Hofkirche St. Leodegar

The story

The Hofkirche is Lucerne's most important church, dedicated to Saint Leodegar, the city's patron. Its story goes back to a monastery founded in the 8th century. On Easter 1633 a fire destroyed the church, but the two slender towers survived; the church was rebuilt by 1639 in Renaissance style. Its organ from 1650 is one of the most important in Switzerland, and its largest pipe is about 10 metres tall. Walk around the arcades of the old cemetery to see the graves of Lucerne's great families.

Key facts

• Burned at Easter 1633; the two towers from the early 1500s survived.
• Rebuilt by 1639 in Renaissance style.
• The organ of 1650 is one of the most important in Switzerland.

Good to know

Free. Please be quiet inside and dress respectfully.