Pfarkirche Triesen

The bell tower of the Pfarkirche Triesen, a landmark towering over the town, has stood strong for almost two centuries. The church that is now known as the Pfarkirche Triesen is not the original one. The first one was built in the 1450s, a few decades after the devastating Old Zurich War destroyed Triesen, including the old castle above. It was dedicated to Saint Gallus, a patron saint of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. But its foundations were too weak and crumbled over the years. The first church was finally torn down in 1834 because it was deemed too dilapidated. So one could almost say the current church stands on the ruins of its predecessors. A local architect designed the new church, built in 1841-1843. Georg Wingelmüller, from Vienna, was not happy with the final outcome, as his original plans had been altered. The church, though elegant, did not fully realize his vision. The priest of the day inaugurated the church on September 8th, 1846. Years later, in 1942-1943, the Appenzell artist Johannes Hugentobler redesigned the interior of the Pfarkirche Triesen. The new church was enlarged in the 1990s with the addition of side aisles. The Pfarkirche Triesen, with its history and architectural achievements, stands as a testament to the resilience of the Triesen community. It is a place of tranquility and reflection welcoming locals and visitors alike. Let’s step inside. You see, the church houses a winged altar from the chapel of Saint Mamertus, a reminder of a different time, when the old castle stood tall.