Ever wondered what it feels like to stand beneath Liechtenstein’s tallest church tower? Here at St. Laurentiuskirche in Schaan, you are about to find out. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to faith and architectural ambition.
St. Laurentiuskirche stands proudly in the center of Schaan. Its story began in the late 19th century. The old St. Laurentius church was too small and unsafe. So, a new one was planned.
Imagine 1887. Plans were drawn for a grand new church. Prince Johann II selected Gustav Neumann as the architect. Neumann was an Austrian in his service. Money came from various sources. Anton Frick, a local priest, had left money for a new church. Prince Johann II also donated a large sum. The community even sold old art to raise funds. Planken, another community, contributed too.
The cornerstone was laid on July 19, 1888. Local materials were used where possible. Wood came from Schaan’s forests. Tuff and stones came from local quarries. Sandstone was brought from St. Margrethen. Roof tiles came from Landquart. On June 24, 1891, the cross was placed on the tower.
The St. Laurentiuskirche’s tower soars 81 meters high. It is the highest in Liechtenstein. The church was consecrated on October 5, 1893. But the work didn’t stop there. In 1895, a clock was installed in the tower. In 1898 and 1899, Stations of the Cross were added. Finally, in 1911, two side altars completed the interior.
The St. Laurentiuskirche is built in the neo-Gothic style. It has a cross-shaped layout. The exterior is made of natural stone. Inside, the church is divided into three naves. A transept crosses the main area. The choir is slightly separated. The ceilings feature ribbed vaults. These vaults reach about 15 meters high. Massive pillars support them.
Many items from the old church found a home here. For example, the large crucifix from the 17th century. Some items are now in museums. Others were lost or destroyed.
Major renovations took place from 1968 to 1978. The architect Eduard Ladner led the project. The roof was replaced. The altar and pulpit were removed. The choir was redesigned. A chapel was added. The sacristy was moved. More renovations occurred in 2003 and 2004. The stone facade was repaired. The roof was retiled. Dormers that had been removed in 1967 were rebuilt.
Until 1968, the St. Laurentiuskirche had four bells. In 1968, two more bells were added. St. Laurentius now has the second-largest set of bells in Liechtenstein.
Outside the church, you can see a monument to Prince Johann II. It was built in 1932. The monument honors the Prince’s contributions to the country.
St. Laurentiuskirche stands not only as a place of worship. It is a symbol of Schaan’s history. Take a moment to appreciate its architecture and the stories it holds.