Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost), Bern

The Church of the Holy Ghost (Heiliggeistkirche) is a Swiss Reformed Church in the Old City of Bern. This historic structure, recognized as a Swiss heritage site of national significance, is one of the largest Swiss Reformed churches in the country.

The church's origins trace back to a chapel first mentioned in 1228, built for the Holy Ghost hospital and abbey. Initially located about 150 meters outside the first city wall, the chapel was replaced between 1482 and 1496. Over time, the Holy Ghost Abbey declined and was secularized by reformers in 1528, forcing the remaining monks to leave. The church was then repurposed as a granary before resuming religious services in 1604 for the Oberer Spital Hospital, accommodating up to 750 worshipers.

In 1726, the second church was demolished to make way for a new, larger church. The current Baroque-style structure was completed by Niklaus Schiltknecht between 1726 and 1729. It was constructed from local sandstone and originally stood adjacent to the Christoffelturm and Christoffelturm Church until these were removed in 1865 for the construction of the train station. Excavations during the church's construction revealed Roman religious artifacts, suggesting that a Roman temple once stood on this site.

The interior of the church features 14 sandstone columns and a free-standing pulpit in the northern nave. It can hold around 2,000 people, making it one of Switzerland's largest Protestant churches, similar in capacity to Saint Pierre Cathedral in Geneva. The first organ was installed in 1804 and replaced in 1933, while the six bells include two large bells cast in 1596 and 1728 and four smaller bells cast in 1860.

Why You Should Visit:
Without a doubt one of the prettiest churches (if not the prettiest) of the late Baroque period in Bern.

Tip:
There are organ concerts every Friday at noon, very nice to enjoy and relax. Free entry!