Nestled in the heart of the Lavaux vineyards, the Church of Saint-Saphorin stands as one of the oldest religious buildings along the northern shores of Lake Geneva. With foundations dating back to the 6th century, the church is a testament to early Christian presence in the region.
The current church was largely rebuilt in 1530 and reflects late Gothic architectural elements, while retaining parts of its earlier Romanesque structure. From the outside, the church's stone walls and sloped tiled roof reflect the traditional materials of the Lavaux region. Its square bell tower is visible from the lakeside and is a recognizable part of Saint-Saphorin’s skyline.
Saint-Saphorin church with its square bell tower
Inside, the church features a single nave and is home to a small romantic organ built in 1889 by the Lucerne-based organ builder Friedrich Goll. It was meticulously restored in 2001–2002.
single nave
organ from 1889
The stained glass windows in the choir date from 1530 and are the only still intact stained glass window of its period in the canton of Vaud. It survived the iconoclastic destruction carried out during the Reformation by the Bernese authorities.
stained glass windows from 1530
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