The simple Gothic church was built in several phases from the 13th to the 15th century. It was built on the site of a Romanesque predecessor, whose size was almost the same as the present nave. The church's impressive size reflects the importance of the town and its builders. Hartmann, Count of Grüningen (d. 1280), is the church's founder.
It was originally dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul. Numerous images in the church refer to them, such as the keystones in the choir, which depict Paul with the sword and Peter with the key, and one of the carvings on the choir stalls from the 14th century.
When and under what circumstances the church changed its patronage and became a St. Bartholomew's Church is unclear. A connection to the traditional St. Bartholomew's Market is plausible, but not conclusively proven.
St. Bartholomew is considered, among other things, the patron saint of shepherds, farmers, winemakers, and leather workers. For centuries, on his name day, August 24th, the shepherds' guild meeting took place in the town, opening with a church service. The Shepherds' Run, held on the last weekend in August, keeps this tradition alive.