What stories could these walls tell? We are standing in front of Don Bosco. It is a Roman Catholic church in Zurich. Don Bosco is more than just a church. It is a focal point for the Italian-speaking community.
Let’s dive into the history of Don Bosco. The Aussersihl district saw many immigrants in the 1860s. Many Italians came to work in construction and on the railways. By 1888, Aussersihl had about 20,000 residents. It was larger than Zurich itself. The Italian immigrants greatly influenced the area. Social tensions arose from their living conditions. These tensions led to the “Italian riots” of 1896.
In response, the Salesianer congregation founded the Missione Zurigo in 1898. In 1901, they inaugurated a building with a chapel on Hohlstrasse. Don Michael Rua, Don Bosco’s successor, visited in 1902. He pointed out a site with a brick factory. This is where the Missione stands today on Feldstrasse 109.
The Missione inaugurated its current location on April 1, 1906. The Bishop of Chur elevated the Salesianer Mission to a personal parish. Its mission was to care for Italian-speaking immigrants. The present Don Bosco church was built between 1951 and 1952. Attilio Calegari was the architect. Bishop Christian Caminada consecrated the church on November 2, 1952.
The church was renovated between 1979 and 1980 by architect Karl Higi. The altar area was updated. In 2005, the Missione renovated Don Bosco again. A new parish center was inaugurated on October 26, 1985. It replaced the old parish and journeyman house from 1902. Don Bosco church was renovated in 2016. General Vicar Josef Annen blessed the renovated church on December 4, 2016.
Don Bosco is one of the few larger church buildings for a Catholic mission in Zurich. The other one is Eglise Sainte Famille.
Let’s talk about the architecture of Don Bosco. The exterior is simple without a church tower or bells. The choir rosette and round window evoke Gothic cathedrals. The ornamental latticework resembles Zurich churches by Ferdinand Pfammatter and Walter Rieger.
Inside Don Bosco, you will find a simple nave. The raised, slightly curved choir receives light from two high, narrow windows. Rectangular windows high in the nave also let in light. The artistic details enrich the church. The rose window in the choir shows the apotheosis of Saint Don Bosco. Paintings depict scenes from his life. These scenes show Don Bosco’s shift from repressive education. He favored a pedagogy of humanity, trust, and charity. A statue of Mary and a bronze statue of Saint Don Bosco enhance the interior. The lower walls are decorated with marble.
The church received its current organ on November 1, 1984. The organ builder Späth Orgelbau AG built it. It has a mechanical action and an electro-mechanical register action.
Don Bosco is more than bricks and mortar. It is a vibrant center for the Italian-speaking community. It provides spiritual guidance. The Missione Cattolica di Lingua Italiana offers various services. These include religious services, youth programs, and cultural events. Don Bosco continues to serve the community. It keeps alive the spirit of its founder.