French Church (Französische Kirche), Bern 
The Französische Kirche (French Church) is the oldest church in Bern. Originally part of a Dominican monastery, it has been a place of worship for French-speaking Protestants since 1623. The attractive Romanesque church is especially notable for its rare frescoed rood screen behind the altar.
History
The French Church was originally part of the Dominican monastery founded here in 1269. The church was built from 1270 to 1285 in the Romanesque style, with wooden choir stalls added in 1302 and a frescoed rood screen in 1495.
In 1623, the old Dominican church became a place of worship for the French-speaking Protestants of Bern. Later, from 1685 to 1851 it welcomed Huguenots (French Calvinists) fleeing persecution in France.
The west front and facade of the southern aisles date from 1753-54. A complete renovation was done in 1912-13. The outer part of the choir was restored in 1966-68; the inner part of the choir and the transept were restored in 1989-91.
Today, the church still serves the Francophone Protestants of Bern and holds regular services. Visitors are very welcome.
What to See
The small but attractive interior has been extensively renovated, but it still retains its original choir stalls (1302) and rare frescoed rood screen (1495) with Dominican themes. See our photo gallery for a virtual tour and detailed views of the frescoes.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Französische Kirche; French Church; L'Eglise Française de Berne |
| Type of site: | Reformed Protestant church; former Dominican monastery |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
| Dates: | Built 1270-85; choir stalls from 1302; frescoed rood screen from 1495 |
| Location: | Just off Kornhausplatz near the Kornhausbrücke |
| Address: | Predigergasse 3, 3011 Berne |
| Phone: | 031 312 39 36 |
| E-mail: | egliserefberne@bluewin.ch |
| Website: | http://www.paroisse.gkgbe.ch/ |
| Hours: | Mon-Fri 9-11am, 2-5pm; Sat 10-3 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of the French Church in Bern. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. You can explore all of Bern from space on our Bern Satellite Map.
Sources
- Personal visit (December 2006).
- The Rough Guide to Switzerland, p. 242.
- French Church, Bern - BernInfo
- Paroisse Francaise de Berne
