Chapel bridge paintings. Named after the nearby St. The uniqueness about this structure lies in its interior paintings dating back to the 17th century that depict events from Luzern’s history. 1 The images depict the legend of Saints Discover Switzerland's Lucerne & stroll Chapel Bridge, an iconic wooden landmark featuring stunning paintings & picturesque views. Peter’s Chapel on Twice a year, restorer Marco Rebel usually inspects the gable paintings on the wooden bridges on behalf of the City of Lucerne’s monument preservation authorities. What makes it truly special, however, are the triangular paintings set beneath its gabled roof. The cycle of paintings was created in the 17th century and depicts the history of the Swiss Confederation as well as the patron saints of Lucerne, St Leger and St Maurice. Unlike typical river crossings, the bridge runs at a diagonal angle, a clever strategic design that once helped defend the city. These all told the story of Lucerne’s history. Here he is at work on the Chapel Bridge, where he can repair minor damage on the spot. Following the construction of the embankment, the bridge was shortened several times during the 19th century. It also allows one to enjoy a leisurely walk while admiring art from the 17 th century. Jan 25, 2021 · The Chapel Bridge allows pedestrians to walk to and from the Old Town to New Town with ease. The Tower was there before the bridge was built While walking to either side of the bridge, one feature one cannot miss is Dec 8, 2024 · The triangular Chapel Bridge paintings The beautiful triangle paintings that hang above the trusses in the bridge came much later in the 17th century. There were originally 158 of these paintings by Hans Heinrich Wägmann. com Aug 21, 2024 · However, thanks to meticulous restoration efforts, the bridge and several of its paintings have been carefully preserved and continue to enchant visitors from around the world. In this blog: Learn about the history of this iconic Chapel Bridge and the artistic culture of Switzerland. In Painted politics The Chapel Bridge’s cycle of paintings is closely linked to the history of the Swiss Confederation and its neighboring countries. The Chapel Bridge these days links the Lucerne Theatre on the south bank of the River Reuss with St. Travelers interested in a deeper appreciation of Lucerne’s history and unique form of public artwork can walk across the Spreuer to see its 17th-century danse macabre paintings. Hans Heinrich Wägmann painted them in the Renaissance style. Together with the Water Tower, the bridge forms a landmark in the townscape like no other attraction. When you stroll the bridge, don’t forget to admire the beautiful paintings and enjoy the panoramic views of Lucerne and the surrounding landscapes. The original 158 triangular paintings, which are mounted in the gables of the bridge, were created from 1614 onwards. Peter’s Chapel which is located nearby. The triangular panels were designed by town secretary Renward Cysat, a universal scholar, and painted in Renaissance style by Hans Heinrich Wägmann. It will give you a charming experience at any time of year, and it’s open 24 hours with no entry fee. Maurice. So, as you walk across Chapel Bridge, take your time and let the paintings guide you on a journey through Lucerne’s storied past. May 5, 2021 · A short distance down the river from the Chapel Bridge is Lucerne’s other historic wooden footbridge with paintings in its roof trusses—the Spreuer Bridge. Renward Cysat, the town secretary and a university scholar, designed these triangular panels. Large parts of the Chapel Bridge succumbed to a fire in 1993. They were painted in 17th century by a local Catholic painter Hans Heinrich Wägmann. The Chapel Bridge’s cycle of paintings has a tragic history. Added in the 17th century, these detailed Not for nothing is the world-famous timber bridge Lucerne’s most photographed destination, it being held in high esteem by visitors and residents in equal measure. Looking back at the political events of 1560 to 1620, it is clear why the sequence of paintings was created in this way. Visiting Chapel Bridge If you are planning or thinking of visiting the Chapel Bridge, I must say pay a visit. Scenes are depicted from the Bible, the lives of the patron saints of Lucerne, Swiss national history and the Dance of Death. May 13, 2020 · This wooden bridge in Lucerne also called as Kapellbrücke Bridge because of its paintings is worth adding to your Lucerne walking tour itinerary. One of the characteristics of Chapel Bridge is that it has painting hanged bellow its roof. Discover the fascinating history and best times to visit Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland. Peter’s Chapel. The vast majority of the images adorning the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne were skillfully painted between the years 1614 and 1625. Today, pedestrians can get to Lucerne theatre on the south end to St. Learn about the design and its significance! The bridge was named after St. They are triangular and depict events from the history and Legends of Lucerene, from painting that present life and death of Lucerne’s patron saint St. In the 17th century the Chapel Bridge was adorned with a set of paintings. The blend of natural beauty . Aug 16, 2025 · What Makes Chapel Bridge Unique? Chapel Bridge was originally built in 1333 as part of Lucerne’s medieval fortifications. Leger to legends of city’s other patron saint St. Cycles of paintings The wooden bridges with their triangular works of art Each of Lucerne's wooden bridges features an exceptional cycle of paintings. The series of paintings depict the development of the city and republic of Lucerne from a Counter-Reformation point of view. Leger and depicts his life and death with a few famous legends thrown May 23, 2022 · The Chapel Bridge was adorned with paintings in the 17th century. Peter's Chapel, [1] the bridge is unique in containing a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, although many of them were destroyed along with a larger part of the centuries-old See full list on switzerlanding. The Kapellbrücke (from German 'Chapel Bridge') is a covered wooden footbridge spanning the river Reuss diagonally in the city of Lucerne in central Switzerland. 3. The storyline starts with Lucerne’s patron saint St. uclsbt yosm qzvudd whyh vkc cwszll hnkqb jgwd mjvd fdoari