Neuchatel Tourism: Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, the Red Church of Neuchatel

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de L'Assomption (lit. Our Lady of Assumption) is a magnificent neo-medieval church located near Lake Neuchâtel. This Catholic building is a true architectural gem that bears witness to the cultural richness of the region.

This edifice was listed as a cultural property of national importance and has been protected as a cantonal historical monument since 1995.

Its history is interesting: during the Protestant Reformation of 1536, the canton of Neuchâtel had banned all Catholic worship within its territory. The Collegiate Church, which was also originally Catholic, suffered greatly in terms of its architecture. It was not until 1874 that freedom of worship was officially established in Switzerland, and the construction of the church began a few years later, in the late 19th century.

Why red?

Our Lady of the Assumption is characterized by its red color, which earned it the nickname "Red Church of Neuchâtel." This hue, quite unusual in a city that generally prefers yellow and white, is actually not natural. When the architect Guillaume Ritter embarked on this project in 1896, he decided to use an artificial stone made from a mixture of cement, lime, and gravel. To this mixture, a red dye was added, giving it the final appearance that we still know today.

This construction choice had three main advantages: great stylistic freedom, significant cost savings, and a considerable reduction in the construction time. However, the magnitude of the project was considerable, and the inauguration of the building in 1906 presented an only partially completed church. The completion of the work was officially done in 1937.

Artificial stones, natural problems

Unfortunately, every coin has its reverse side, and this one revealed itself quite early: despite all its advantages, artificial stone remains fragile and easily erodes over time and in harsh weather conditions. As early as 1920, while the church was still not completed, sanitation work had to begin. Despite the regular maintenance that is still required, a general refurbishment was launched in 1955, and another one took place between 1986 and 2000, to prevent the building from collapsing.

During the first major refurbishment, its exterior appearance was greatly simplified. The neo-Gothic style usually presents much more complex and elaborate ornaments than the neutral and sober style that the Red Church displays on the outside. This contrast is surprising, given that its interior is more in line with the architectural trend it identifies with.

Originally, the Basilica had arches, columns, capitals, and other embellishments adorning its facades. Unfortunately, the aforementioned fragility of the artificial stone led to these ornaments threatening to fall off, posing a risk to passersby. Therefore, during the 1955 refurbishment, most of these elements were removed, giving the Red Church the appearance it is known for today.

In November 2007, a little over a century after its inauguration, Our Lady of the Assumption was officially elevated to the rank of "Minor Basilica." It is the fourth church to be promoted to this title after those in Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg ("diocèse lgf"), and the 10th in Switzerland.

The final word

In conclusion, the Red Church is much more than just a religious building. It is a genuine architectural treasure, and its interior, more than its external appearance, has been wonderfully preserved despite the difficulties encountered over time. It is a place of contemplation and gathering for both residents and visitors, a must-visit during a trip to Neuchâtel!