Description of the attraction
The Church of St. Lawrence is the evangelical parish church of the city of St. Gallen. The construction of the first church on this site dates back to the mid-12th century. The church has been the political, religious and social center of St. Gallen for nearly 300 years. Today it is a place not only for prayers and meetings of citizens. It is named after the Martyr Saint Lawrence of Rome. It is considered an architectural monument of national importance.
The exact date of foundation is unknown. There is the oldest written mention of the church in a document dated 1225. Already in 1235 it had the status of a parish church, which was recorded on December 10, 1359. The church was still subordinate to the abbey at that time. After the formation of St. Gallen as a city, the church lost its political significance. Even then, disputes over power began between the abbey and the city.
During the Reformation, these disputes intensified and despite the fact that certain agreements were concluded, the differences between the church and the city government remained very deep until the beginning of the 20th century. The church itself became Reform on February 2, 1525. In 1527, Protestant rites were introduced, and in 1528 a ban was declared on the conduct of Catholic services for the population.
Reliable sources report that an organ was installed in the temple in 1511. However, during the Reformation, playing the organ in the temple was considered reprehensible, therefore it was not used until the 18th century. It is also known that the organ was decorated with figures of angels, but they have not survived.
