Franciscan Church

The Franciscan monastery in Lucerne has existed since the 13th century. The Church of St. Mary in the centre of the monastery was built between 1270 and 1280. From 1561 - 1562 the nave was extended and rebuilt in the Gothic style. Later conversions and extensions followed and brought new stylistic elements from the Baroque and Rococo periods to the church - including the two side chapels.

The high altar from 1736 shows the adoration of the shepherds in front of the crib, a work by Renward Forer. The richly carved choir stalls are by Kaspar Tüfel from Sursee and Hans Ulrich Räber. Niklaus Geiser created the artwork of the pulpit. The ceiling paintings are by Johann Georg Hunkeler from Altishofen. In the upper gable of the nave is a cycle of flags - it shows the standard which the Confederates conquered from the Habsburgs as booty at the Battle of Sempach in 1386.