Zurich Sights / Attractions

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Fraumünster

Am Münsterhofplatz, CH-8001 Zürich, Tel: +41 (0) 44 211 4100, Open: 1 Nov-Mar 31 10am-4pm, 1 Apr-31 Oct 10am-6pm, Tram 6, 7, 18, 13 to << Paradeplatz >>
Founded in 853 by Emperor Ludwig (Louis the German) for his daughters, Hildegard and Berta, this convent for ladies of the German aristocracy, with its slender blue spire, overlooks the former Münsterhof pig market. The abbesses were imperial princesses who, as well as enjoying the patronage of kings, ruled over the town of Zürich, including the left-bank of the Limmat.

Once a Romanesque flat-roofed basilica, it was Gothicised towards the end of the 13th century, although the crypt of the old abbey church was preserved. Later, Hans Waldmann, who was one of Zürich's best known mayors (having been elected to office in 1483) commissioned a fresco to be painted on the entrance to the Münster, used at that time. Ironically, he was publicly beheaded six years later - as a result of pressure by farmers who could not accept his land reform policies – and buried in the Münster behind the fresco, where he still rests to this day.

Architecturally, the Fraumünster's biggest draw are the five stained-glass windows, each depicting scenes from the Old and the New Testament (with their own colour themes) designed by Marc Chagall in 1970. In addition, the Romanesque choir, high vaulted transept and Gothic style nave are of interest, while the church also boasts an elaborate organ (the largest organ in the canton) with some 5,793 pipes. Other highlights include stained glass windows in the north transept by Alberto Giacometti's cousin, Augusto.

Grossmünster

Grossmünsterplatz, CH-8001 Zürich, Tel: +41 (0) 44 252 5949, Open: 1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm, 1 Apr-31 Oct 10am-6pm, Tram 4, 15 to << Rathaus >>
As Zürich's most imposing landmark, the Grossmünster takes centre-stage on the Limmat's east bank, in the area known as the Niederdorf. The building's lofty twin towers, which dominate the skyline and small-scale architecture of the surrounding area, are in stark contrast to the cathedral's lack of decorative grandeur and (relatively) diminutive interior dimensions. It was, of course, Huldrych Zwingli, the 16th-century reformist preacher who ensured the Grossmünster - or Great Minster – was free of ostentation. Seen by many as the "bürgermeister, secretary, and council" of Zürich in one, he was the most "liberal" of all the Reformers and a key figure in the running of the city (being responsible for its transformation from a sparsely populated community into a renowned religious centre for European theologians).

Founded in the ninth century by Charlemagne (Charles the Great), the Frankish King and Holy Roman Emperor, the original Carolingian church had its foundations laid on a site of long-established religious significance, namely the burial place of Felix and Regula (third-century Christian Romans and the patron saints of Zurich who were martyred by decapitation). Indeed, legend has it that Charlemagne founded the church after his horse stumbled over their burial site.

Its present Romanesque form dates from 1106, although the Grossmünster's neo-Gothic twin domes, built in 1781, serve as a replacement for the original spires devastated by fire in 1763. Inside, many of the cathedral's decorative elements, including the pulpit, have been partially reconstructed or, in the case of the organ (1960) are modern day replacements. Other artistic touches, such as the stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti and Otto Müch's ornate bronze doors in the North and South portals, date from the early-1930s and mid-1940s respectively.

The impressive crypt, a long triple-aisled hall, is dominated by a weathered statue of Charlemagne (which originally adorned the Southern Tower), with a replica now crowning the same spot. Also of interest are the Romanesque cloisters, built in 1170–80 and partly demolished in 1851 by the neo-Gothic reconstruction undertaken by G.A. Wegmann, before being renovated in the 1960s. As a haven of peace and tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town, the vaulted bays, which surround a central garden, boast arched windows decorated with grotesque faces, dragons, centaurs and other mythical creatures.

Needless to say, views of the city from the top of the Grossmünster's towers (accessed by ascending 187 steps) are impressive, although the climb is not recommended for small children or the elderly.

Hauptbahnhof (Zürich Main Railway Station)

As a rule, visitors to Zürich usually arrive at the city's busy Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) which dates from the year 1871. What's more it's easy to share the common belief that "Zürich begins on Bahnhofplatz", as tram, bus and train services all converge here.

Directly outside the station you'll find the monument to the statesman and railway pioneer Alfred Escher, flanked on either side by the triumphal arch of technology. This station's facade, which also dates from 1871, honours technology and technical progress. Escher himself (1819-1882) was a railway pioneer, builder of the Gotthard railway and a member of the Swiss Federal Parliament.

Inside, as well as being home to the 'Zürich Tourism' office (see below), the Hauptbahnhof offers an excellent range of shopping opportunities, good quality restaurants and left luggage, banking, postal and telecommunication (including Internet hotspot) facilities.

At Christmas, the Hauptbahnhof stages one of Europe's largest indoor festive markets - the Christkindli Markt, offering a wide-range of gifts, including handcrafted souvenirs, local speciality foodstuffs and seasonal items. Impossible not to be taken in by the sights, sounds and smells here, visitors are tempted by the delicious pastries, chocolates, cookies and spiced Glühwein on offer. In past years, a giant Christmas tree has also adorned the main concourse, resplendent with no less than 6000 Swarovski crystal decorations.

But it isn't just Christmas events that are staged here. Annually, Swiss bank Credit Suisse organises an impressive film festival, showcasing the very latest Hollywood and European movies (with German language subtitles, where appropriate) on a giant screen, with audience seating for up to 1300. The festival website publishes full details each year's programme as soon as it becomes available. See website at: www.kinoimhb.ch for more details.

As mentioned above, the station's Tourist Information Office, Bahnhofplatz 15 (Tel: +41 (0) 44 215 4000) offers all the usual information for tourists, as well as a hotel reservations service, city sightseeing tours, car rental, brochures, tour guides and tickets for the public transport system. For further details e-mail: e-mail: information@zurichtourism.ch.

Heimplatz (also known as "Pfauen")

Tram to 3, 5, 8 and 9 to << Kunsthaus >>
As home to Switzerland's finest art gallery - the world renowned Kunsthaus Zürich (see below), Heimplatz is named after the composer Ignaz Heim (1818-1880) whose statue, which dates from 1881, stands opposite the building. Also situated here is the Schauspielhaus, one of the country's most important theatres. Staging mainly German plays, productions range from classic theatre to cutting-edge contemporary. As a repertoire theatre, different works are performed here nearly every evening so, even if you're only in Zürich for a short time, you'll likely be able to catch a show new to town.

Back at the Kunsthaus, impressive artworks can be seen even before entering the building as, adjacent to the the main door, is Rodin's awe-inspiring "Gate of Hell". In addition, the grounds are adorned with sculptures by, among others, Moore and Maillol. Inside, an entire room is devoted to Marc Chagall, while a permanent display of Alberto Giacometti's sculpture is the world's largest.

Elsewhere, you'll find works from Dutch and Flemish artists, including Rubens, Rembrandt and Hals, as well as the Venetian room showcasing the talents of Canaletto and El Greco and a new wing consisting of pop and expressionist art (including works by Warhol and Rothko).

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Zürich Sights/Attractions - Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Hauptbahnhof, Heimplatz, Kunsthalle Zürich

Fraumünster

Grossmünster

Hauptbahnhof (Zürich Main Railway Station)

Heimplatz (also known as "Pfauen")