The first mention of a church dedicated to Saint Stephen in Moudon dates from 1134-1143, although its existence probably dates back further. Located outside the medieval village centered on the hill, it was then the counterpart to the Notre-Dame chapel located at the top of this hill1. Nicknamed “the cathedral of Broye” by the city's inhabitants, it is the largest parish church in the canton of Vaud and one of the best examples of radiant Gothic style in French-speaking Switzerland2.

Construction began around 1281, the date of the enclosure flanking the apse wall, and was completed around 1330 with the construction of the last three vaults and the western rose. The bell tower, openworked at its base by the town gate, was erected between the years 1417 and 1436. Chapels were then added to the sides. The simple plan, without transept, evokes a Cistercian influence with its three naves and its rectangular choir, but in elevation the style is radiant Gothic. The vaults are decorated with paintings in 1506-1512. The stalls from 1499-1502 are the work of sculptors Rodolphe Pottu, Peter Vuarser and Mattelin Vuarser. The communion table, Gothic, dates from 1564. The molasse pulpit was built in 1695. The baroque buffet organ from 1764 is by the maker Adrien-Joseph Pottier and the sculptors Joseph Dellion and Charles Puidoux. Finally, the stained glass windows date from 1935-1937 (Ernest Biéler), and 1951-1953 (Charles Clément)2.

The church was restored several times, in 1836-1839 by the architect Henri Perregaux3, then again in 1896-1897, in 1934-1935, in 1949-1974 (with interruptions)2.

The church is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance.

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Elevation 510 m

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Location: Moudon, Broye-Vully, Fribourg, Espace Mittelland, Switzerland

Saint-Étienne Reformed Church, Moudon

1. Singletrack Along the Broye – Pont de Brit Suspension Bridge loop from Moudon

2. Bridge over the Broye – Jorat Forest, Lausanne loop from Sallaz

3. Temple of Curtilles – Bridge over the Broye loop from Granges-Marnand

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