Saint-Martin Church in Vevey is a late Gothic Protestant temple, largely rebuilt in the 15th century and converted to the Reformed faith in 1536. Inside, you can discover its bell tower, ribbed vaults, stained glass windows and organ.
Religious buildings
Main highlights
- 15th-century Gothic church that became a Reformed temple during the Vaud Reformation of 1536
- Bell tower nearly 60 m high with a carillon, dominating the town and visible from the lake
- 19th-century stained glass and abstract works by Jean-Pierre Kaiser from the 1950s
Overview
The earliest documented records of Saint-Martin Church date back to the 13th century. The current building mostly dates from the 15th century : fires had damaged the original structure, leading to reconstructions and extensions.
With the adoption of the Reformation in the Pays de Vaud in 1536, the church became a Reformed temple. The side altars and statues were removed. Its bell tower, nearly 60 m high, overlooks the Place du Marché and has long served as a landmark for Vevey residents out on Lake Geneva.
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What to see and do
The interior follows a three-aisled basilica plan, typical of the late Gothic style. The taller central nave is lit by clerestory windows and ends in a polygonal choir. Columns support ribbed vaults. The pulpit set to one side and the communion table at the centre of the choir reflect the importance of preaching in the Reformed tradition.
The stained glass windows combine 19th-century pieces with brightly coloured abstract works created by Jean-Pierre Kaiser in the 1950s. A few pieces of old furniture, including carved pews, have survived the Reformation and later restorations.
The organ, rebuilt in the 20th century using older components, is also a fine piece of cabinetmaking. The church regularly hosts concerts, and the tower’s carillon rings its historic bells out over the town.
Practical information
Getting there : the church is in the centre of Vevey, within walking distance of the train station and bus stops. Several public car parks are nearby, including the one on the Place du Marché.
Visiting : the church is open to visitors outside of services and special events.
On site : information panels present the history and architecture of the building for a self-guided visit.
Visiting tips
Come in the early afternoon, when the light shows off the stained glass at its best. Before going in, take a look at the exterior, especially the gargoyles and the sculptures on the façade.
The bell tower is generally not open to the public, except during special events.
Nearby attractions
- The Musée Jenisch presents five centuries of paintings, drawings and prints, along with the Cantonal Print Collection.
- The Swiss Camera Museum traces the history of photography, from daguerreotypes to digital.
- The Place du Marché, Vevey lies along Lake Geneva and hosts a market twice a week.
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