Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche), Lucerne

The Church of Saint Maria is situated in close proximity to the center of Lucerne. It was constructed by members of the Franciscan order and integrated into their monastery, which existed from the 13th century until 1838. The construction of this church commenced in 1269, making it one of the oldest churches in the city.

This architectural marvel follows the Gothic style, albeit without towering spires and a transept. Instead, it features an elongated single-nave design that culminates in an altar. The building's design is characterized by prominent vertical and horizontal lines. During this era, the Gothic style was not yet the predominant architectural choice, as is evident from the smooth wall surfaces. Throughout its existence, the church underwent frequent restoration, resulting in a blend of various architectural elements ranging from Romanesque to Baroque. In the 16th century, the reconstruction of the Saint Anthony chapel took place.

The walls of the central nave are adorned with depictions of flags, which are reproductions of battle banners captured during the Battle of Sempach in 1386. Originally, there were authentic canvases hanging there, but due to the passage of time, they deteriorated and were subsequently replaced with painted reproductions. A 13th-century marble altar graces the front of the choir and is complemented by a painting by Renward from 1736, portraying the Adoration of the Shepherds to the Child. The ceiling is adorned with frescoes illustrating Saint Francis of Assisi in heaven. The choir features Renaissance-style benches, and one cannot overlook the wooden pulpit from the first half of the 17th century, designed in the Mannerist style and adorned with wood carvings by Kaspar Tyuffel and Hans-Ulrich Reber.