History of Payerne

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Payerne is rooted in antiquity. The city's name derives from the Gallo-Roman estate Paterniacum, which belonged to a landowner named Paternus. Archaeological finds confirm the Roman presence in this territory, although the true birth of the city as a significant centre occurred later.

A key date in the annals of Payerne is the 10th century. The decisive event was the founding of a Benedictine monastery by Empress Adelaide of Burgundy (wife of Emperor Otto I) around 961–962. It was around this abbey that the medieval city began to form.

Key Factors of Formation

• Spiritual Authority: The Abbey of Payerne became part of the influential Cluny congregation. This transformed the city into an important religious centre in Europe, attracting pilgrims and donations from the nobility.
• Geographic Location: The city was successfully situated in the fertile valley of the Broye River, on the Swiss Plateau. This location served as a natural corridor between Lakes Neuchâtel and Murten, which was strategically important for controlling communication routes.
• Imperial Patronage: Thanks to close ties with the Royal House of Burgundy and the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, the monastery and the city received extensive privileges that contributed to their prosperity.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, Payerne's economy depended entirely on the monastery. The monks introduced agricultural methods and viticulture that were advanced for that time. Cultural life was also centred around the abbey, which was renowned for its Romanesque architecture. The urban population, settling near the monastery walls, engaged in crafts and trade, serving the needs of the clergy and passing travellers.

Major Milestones in Payerne's History

• 587: Bishop Marius of Lausanne consecrates the first Christian church on the ruins of the Roman villa Paterniacum.
• Around 962: Empress Adelaide of Burgundy founds the Benedictine abbey, which becomes the spiritual hub of the region.
• 11th Century: The monastery joins the influential Cluniac congregation, and the construction of the grand Romanesque church begins.
• 1240: Payerne receives municipal liberties and rights, fostering the growth of self-governance among citizens.
• 1536: Troops from Bern conquer the Vaud region, introduce the Reformation, and close the monastery, converting its buildings into grain stores.
• 1798: The city is liberated from Bernese rule during the Vaudois Revolution and proclaims independence.
• 1803: Payerne officially becomes part of the newly formed Canton of Vaud under Napoleon's Act of Mediation.
• 1876: The opening of the railway line through the Broye valley connects the city with major Swiss centres.
• Late 19th Century: The tobacco industry develops actively in the city, becoming an important part of the local economy.
• 1921: Foundation of the military airfield, which eventually evolves into the main base of the Swiss Air Force.
• 2010: The solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse makes its historic 26-hour flight from Payerne airfield.
• 2020: Opening of a new civil terminal at the airport for business aviation, expanding the region's transport capabilities.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The history of Payerne is a journey from a small settlement around a monastery to a modern technological and transport hub of the Broye region. Here are the key stages that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city:

• Formation around the Abbey (10th–13th Centuries)
  The urban planning significance of the monastery was decisive: the city grew in rings around the abbey walls. This created a unique medieval layout where the spiritual centre dominated over secular buildings, setting the vector for the development of streets and squares.
• Secularisation and Change of Power (1536)
  The conquest of the region by the Bernese and the arrival of the Reformation radically changed the cultural landscape. The monks were expelled, and the majestic church building was turned into a granary and barracks. Paradoxically, this utilitarian use saved the masterpiece of Romanesque architecture from destruction and the looting of stone, allowing it to be preserved to this day.
• Agrarian Specialisation and Tobacco Cultivation (19th Century)
  Thanks to the mild climate of the Broye valley, Payerne became a centre for tobacco cultivation in Switzerland. This led to an economic upturn: factories for processing raw materials appeared, a culture of local farms was formed, and the city gained the status of an important agricultural market for the canton.
• Railway Breakthrough (1876)
  The opening of the railway branch brought Payerne out of isolation. The city turned into a logistics hub connecting the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg. This stimulated trade and population influx, and also contributed to the development of the local meat processing industry (famous for its cured meat specialties).
• The Era of Aviation (from 1921)
  The creation of the military airfield was a turning point for the economy of the 20th century. The airbase provided hundreds of jobs and attracted highly qualified specialists. Today, it is the main centre of the Swiss Air Force and a base for civil business aviation.
• Creation of the Aeropole Technopark (21st Century)
  The modern stage of development is linked to the creation of a technology park next to the airfield. This attracted innovative companies working in aerospace technology and energy (including the Solar Impulse project) to the city, transforming Payerne from an agrarian town into a high-tech centre.

Architectural Appearance: From Romanesque Severity to High-Tech

The urban fabric of Payerne serves as a visual guide to architectural history, where every layer of the era is clearly readable in the landscape. The historical core of the city formed around the monastic estates, creating a cosy labyrinth of medieval streets that gradually opens up towards modern industrial zones and the airfield.

Landmarks and Stylistic Features

• Romanesque Grandeur (11th Century): The undisputed centre of attraction is the Abbey of Payerne (L'Abbatiale). It is the largest Romanesque church in Switzerland, built after the model of Cluniac temples. It is characterised by the use of warm yellow sandstone, massive buttresses, semi-circular arches, and high vaults. Inside, the play of light and shadow is impressive, as are the column capitals adorned with expressive medieval carvings.
• Gothic Heritage (13th–14th Centuries): In the immediate vicinity of the monastery rises the Parish Church (L'Église paroissiale). It embodies the transition to Gothic: here one can see lancet windows and lighter, upward-soaring structures. The remains of the city fortifications also belong to this period, among which stands out the massive defensive tower Tour Barraud, which once guarded the peace of the citizens.
• Bernese Style (16th–18th Centuries): The era of Bernese rule left the city with administrative buildings in a recognisable style. The Castle (Le Château) and the Town Hall are distinguished by pragmatic elegance: solid stone masonry, arcades on the ground floors, and steep tiled roofs with dormer windows. These structures gave the city centre a more secular and orderly appearance.
• Industrial and Modern Architecture: With the development of the railway and aviation, the city expanded beyond the old walls. 19th-century buildings of red brick and stone in the station area sit alongside the functional architecture of the airfield. The newest stage is represented by the Aeropole technopark, where glass, concrete, and steel dominate, highlighting Payerne's status as a centre for aerospace innovation.

A Unique Ensemble

One of the most interesting architectural features of Payerne is the unusual proximity of two monumental temples on a single square. The massive monastic church stands almost adjacent to the parish church. Such an arrangement is a rare example of visualising the social division of the past, when the space of monks and the space of laity existed in parallel, creating an impressive architectural duo today.

Distinguished Personalities of Payerne

The history of Payerne is rich in names that have left a mark not only in the city's annals but also on the world stage. From medieval rulers to modern innovators, here is a list of key figures associated with this place.

• Saint Adelaide of Burgundy (c. 931–999)
  Role: Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, Queen of Italy and Germany.
  Significance: The de facto foundress of the city. It was on her initiative (and with the support of her daughter) that the famous Benedictine monastery was founded around 962. Thanks to her influence and patronage, the modest settlement turned into an important spiritual centre of Europe.
• Queen Bertha of Swabia (c. 907–966)
  Role: Queen of Burgundy, mother of Empress Adelaide.
  Significance: The legendary patroness of the region. In folk memory, she remains "Good Queen Bertha". Although historians debate the exact place of her burial, tradition firmly connects her with the Abbey of Payerne, where relics attributed to her (such as her famous saddle) have been kept for centuries.
• Antoine-Henri Jomini (1779–1869)
  Role: General, military historian, and theorist.
  Significance: The most famous native of Payerne. He had a brilliant career serving first Napoleon Bonaparte and then the Russian Emperor Alexander I. His fundamental works on strategy and tactics (such as "Summary of the Art of War") became textbooks in military academies around the world.
• Jacques Chessex (1934–2009)
  Role: Writer, poet, and painter.
  Significance: A native of Payerne and one of the most significant Swiss authors of the 20th century. He became the first Swiss to receive the prestigious Goncourt Prize (for the novel "The Ogre" in 1973). Many of his books are set in his hometown and its surroundings, conveying the unique atmosphere of the region.
• Aimée Rapin (1868–1956)
  Role: Artist.
  Significance: Born in Payerne without arms, she learned to paint virtuoso works with her feet through incredible willpower. She became a recognised master of portraiture and landscape, exhibiting in major world capitals (Paris, London, Montreal), becoming an inspiring example of overcoming difficulties.
• Saint Marius (Marius of Avenches) (c. 532–596)
  Role: Bishop of Avenches and Lausanne, chronicler.
  Significance: He stood at the origins of the city's Christian history. In 587, he consecrated the first church on the site of the Roman villa Paterniacum. This event is considered the first documentary mention of the settlement from which Payerne later grew.
• Bertrand Piccard (born 1958)
  Role: Psychiatrist, explorer, and pilot.
  Significance: Although not born here, his work is inextricably linked with the modern history of the city. Payerne airfield became the base for his revolutionary Solar Impulse project. It was from here that historic flights on the solar-powered aircraft were made, cementing the city's status as a centre for innovative aviation.