Switzerland Guide
The Arc Jurassien
Payerne Abbatiale
The Abbatiale in Payerne is one of the most impressive examples of Romanesque architecture in the country. There's a wealth of detail in the five-naved church, which dates from the eleventh and twelfth centuries and which stands amidst the buildings of an abbey; its square, turreted tower, with a slender twisted spire, dominates the surrounding town. Within the lofty barrel-vaulted interior, natural light reflects off the variegated sandstone pillars of the nave to set the whole space glowing. Carved capitals in the transept and detailed frescoes from around 1200 on the vaultings of the porch and in the narthex are gorgeous. However, the church has not been used as a house of worship since 1562, and it's unfortunate that you may well find modern art exhibitions filling the space with distractions and the hum of conversation.
Opening time: Tues– Sun 10am– noon & 2–6pm; Oct– March closes 5pm
Price: Fr.3 or more, depending on exhibition
Website: www.payerne.ch