Connection to Kriens

Historically, no direct link between Saint Gallus and Kriens can be established. The connection is therefore of a religious nature: people venerated Gallus not only on Lake Constance but also in Central Switzerland as a missionary and saint. Consequently, many churches in German-speaking regions bear his name – presumably because the Abbey of St Gallen had a significant influence on the region and Central Switzerland was Christianised at an early stage.

As early as 1100, the first church was built on the church hill. It was dedicated to Saints Gallus and Othmar. This was because the area of Kriens, then known as “Chrientes,” was under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Constance. And according to ancient traditions, it was this very bishop who consecrated the first church.