Protestant parish church & frescoes, Waltensburg

History of Waltensburg

The first church in Waltensburg was undoubtedly St. Georg in der Burg. The patronage of the parish church in the village - Desiderius and Leodegar - was first mentioned around 1493. Presumably the first title originally stood alone.

Description of the building

The northeast-facing complex consists of the nave and an almost square choir that is slightly bent northwards from the main axis. It is vaulted with a masonry barrel vault. On the east wall is a Romanesque arched window; a similar one opens in the south wall. On the north side is a Gothic door with a straight lintel to the old sacristy. Above the nave is a fielded ceiling with round mouldings and black ornaments, 1711. The entrance on the west side closes in a slightly pointed arch.The tower stands on the west side of the nave without any bracing. The entrance on the south side is 1.7 m above the ground. The three top storeys have round-arched windows, rising from simple narrow windows to two- and three-part domed windows. The imposts are rounded, partial columns with rough square bases, one of which has been replaced by chamfered supports, 12th century.

Wall paintings

During renovations in 1932, paintings were uncovered both inside and out. The Passion Cycle and the Last Supper, the Capture of Christ, the Carrying of the Cross, Presentation of Christ before Pilate, Crowning with Thorns and Scourging, Crucifixion of Christ, Entombment of Christ. Figures of saints are on the north wall of the nave, dated 1350. On the inner wall of the choir arch is the Last Judgement (fresco from 1450/51). All the paintings were created in three periods. I. Passion cycle, II. the outer west wall: scenes from the life of St. Margaret, III. stage: included the entire painting of the choir with the female saints and concludes with St. Stephen.

Furnishings

Wall tabernacle in the north side of the choir, 1510/20. Gothic baptismal font, polygonal pulpit 1672.

Bells: four-part chime by Ruetschi AG, Aarau with inscriptions, 1932. The altar bells date from 1468.

The frescoes by the Waltensburg Master in Waltensburg church can be viewed individually every day from 09.00 - 20.00.

Please also note the overview of weekly events with guided tours and the exhibition in the Waltensburg Museum between June and October.

(Text recorded by: Regiun Surselva)

An art guide is available in the church for CHF 14.00. It is also available at the information office in Brigels and at the Volg in Waltensburg.

Opening hours: The doors close automatically at 19.00. Depending on the weather, the door may be warped (warm/cold) - just press hard!