St. Martin's church and its stucco works

In cooperation with the St. Martin Parish and the Knöchel und Pungitore AG company from Lucerne, the Zuger Heimatschutz hosted the "St. Martin's Church and its Stucco Works" event on 17th June.
 

Hans-Peter Bart, former church clerk of St. Martin's Church, and Ueli Hotz, the church's sacristan, introduced the event participants to the construction and restoration history of this important religious building. Antonio Pungitore then provided a practical insight into the time-honoured craft of stucco work.

St. Martin's Church is one of the oldest religious buildings in the Canton of Zug, and was first documented in 1045. The church underwent numerous structural changes up to the late 18th century. In 1769, in anticipation of an upcoming episcopal visitation, the parish decided to redesign the nave in the Rococo style.

The Tyrolean stucco artists Josef Scharpf and Antoni Kotz were commissioned to carry out the work. They enlarged the windows, created a plaster ceiling with quadratura paintings and stucco work, and, together with the student of a fresco painter, installed new ceiling paintings.

Participants were introduced to the construction and restoration history of this important religious building.        Photo: Judith Matter
 

Hans-Peter Bart guided the visitors through numerous details, with particular attention to this rich interior decoration, helping them understand their artistic and cultural-historical significance. His insightful explanations, presented with considerable expertise and a touch of humour, were followed with great interest by the guests.

Following the climb up the church tower, Ueli Hotz drew the attention of the (somewhat physically challenged) participants to the impressive carpentry of the historic roof truss, the bell tower with its bells, and the clock mechanism.

Antonio Pungitore provided a deeper insight into the art of stucco work. His enthusiasm for the creative possibilities of his craft was palpable, and quickly spread to those present, sparking a lively exchange. With extensive experience and expertise, he explained the materials used, the techniques employed, and their development, conveying a powerful respect for a craft that has profoundly shaped our architectural heritage for centuries.

The Zuger Heimatschutz (Zug Heritage Society) extends its sincere thanks to Hans-Peter Bart, Ueli Hotz, and Antonio Pungitore for their engaging presentations and their willingness to share their knowledge, passion, and expertise with the numerous visitors.

Report for the Zug Heritage Society by Judith Matter