St. Stephen’s Church

When the air above the cobblestones shimmers with heat, or fog envelops the island in grey cotton wool, St. Stephen’s Church is the perfect place to pause and reflect. Behind its heavy wooden doors, the outside world falls silent; inside, there is a simple, beautiful simplicity. It is above all the high side windows that make the church interior so inviting and calming: their light is reflected off the white walls and draws the eye to many delicate, light green ornaments.

Rococo church with fine stucco and colourful glass

The church was built in 1180 – its tower base and southern choir wall date from this period. Around 1500, the building was extended to its present form, and its bright, friendly interior design is thanks to the Rococo style: in 1781, the altar, baptismal font and pulpit were added in reddish stucco marble. Finally, in 1965, the brightly coloured choir windows with biblical motifs were created, which shine in bright colours not only on sunny days.

Valuable furnishings with altar, pulpit and wood carvings

Those looking for elaborate decorations amid such simplicity will find them in the organ. Its case, which is over 200 years old, is richly decorated and impresses with countless details. When leaving the church, it is worth looking up at the wrought-iron balcony and also to the side: next to the main entrance is a 400-year-old bell, which was damaged in a crash during the Second World War. The almost 4 tonnes of cast iron with the coats of arms of Lindau and the Free Imperial Cities are now a popular photo motif.

The pews in St. Stephen’s are something very special: because the pulpit is located in the middle of the church, the pews were designed with fold-down backrests. This allows visitors to decide for themselves whether they want to face the altar or the pulpit.