Zurich Sights / Attractions

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Limmatquai

Tram 4, 15 to << Rudolf-Brun-Brücke >>
This riverside street, which comprises of four guild houses in a row, was built in the 19th century and extends from Rudolf-Brun-Brücke along to Central/Neumühlequai. Previously, the waters of the Limmat came right up to the houses, which date from as far back as 1336. At this time, a guild constitution, which was drafted by Rudolf Brun (hence the name of the nearby bridge), gave rise to 13 separate guilds which united craftsmen and commercial tradesmen, with the noblemen, knights and and rich merchants of the Constaffel (Constables) association. Politically, it was an important step as only the 'Constaffel' and guild members could elect the city council and city officials. The influence and political power given by Brun's constitution continued until 1798, when the invading French army removed their powers, confiscated each guild's gold and silver treasures and sold their houses.

Taking each in turn, the "Saffran Guild" have occupied the house at Limmatquai 54 since 1389, being important spice and grocery merchants. The "Kämbel" guild at no. 50 are retailers and food/wine merchants, while the "Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten" (no. 40) comprises of carpenters and masons. Nowadays, all of the guild houses incorporate restaurants which, in the case of the Zimmerleuten, offers lovely decor, excellent views of the Limmat and good, hearty food.

Lindenhof

Atop the Lindenhof, which is an elevated square in the city centre, visitors to Zürich are afforded with wonderful views of the city. Considered to be Zürich's birthplace, the ruins of a Roman customs post/stockade which dates back as far as 15 B.C. lie underneath, with the Romans also establishing a fortification here (with ten towers) some 400 years later. During the 8th century, a succession of imperial palaces were established on the vantage point, whilst the lime trees which flank the Lindenhof are reminiscent of the palatine era, when the King or local sheriff held court here. Such ritual was undertaken publicly in the open air, under the lime trees, so that God could listen in. Today, it remains an oasis of peace and tranquility, a meeting place for chess players by day and lovers by night.

From Lindenhof, Plalzgasse leads back into the Old Town where, set in the wall, is one of the few Roman ruins visible in town, a simple marble gravestone erected by Zürich's Roman chief customs officer, Unio, for his son. The column, which dates back to around 200 A.D. contains inscriptions with the first known mention of the Latin name for Zürich - Turicum.

Marktgasse

Tram 4, 15 to << Rathaus >>
Today, the many bars, pubs and restaurants of Marktgasse serve as a popular spot for a late-night revelers, as well as those seeking good quality cuisine at affordable prices. As a main drag leading from the Limmatquai, it branches off the Rindermarkt which, along with the area of Weinplatz-Gemüsebrücke and Neumarkt, marks the centre of the Old Town.

It was here that Rudolf Sprüngli-Ammann, founder of what has grown to become Confiserie Sprüngli (part of Lindt, the world-renowned chocolatier, and famed for its mouthwatering chocolate creations), first owned a small confectionery shop in the Marktgasse. Also, at Marktgasse 20, is the Zunfthaus zur Schmiden (Schminden guild house) which dates back to 1412, when it served as an important centre for barbers and blacksmiths. Nowadays it's home to a popular restaurant which, as well as serving up hearty, à la carte fare (including regional favorites such as geschnetzeltes with rösti), also offers its own quaffable house wine.

The medieval streets of the Niederdorf district also house a number of gay bars/clubs, including the well-known Pigalle (Marktgasse 14), which specialises in the sounds of German "schlager" music and the lively Aaah! Club (situated on the 2nd floor of the same building, close to the Zic-Zac Rockhotel).

Münsterbrücke

Tram 4, 15 to << Helmhaus >> or Tram 6, 7, 8, 13 to << Paradeplatz >>
Designed in 1838 to replace the wooden pilgrams' foot bridge (which connected the Fraumünster to the Wasserkirche), Alois Negrelli's elegantly proportioned span allowed, for the first time, stagecoach traffic to cross this part of the river. In doing so, the Limmat's left-bank had to be raised, much to the detriment of the nearby "Zur Meisen" guildhouse which, albeit on a visually basis only, appeared to have sunk into the river's embankment. Negrelli, who was a designer of some note, was also a railroad pioneer, having constructed the Swiss railroad from Zurich to Baden, as well as being the creator of the plans for the Suez Canal (later to be built by Ferdinand de Lessepsalso).

Münsterhof

Tram 6, 7, 8, 13 to << Paradeplatz >>
This large square, standing on the river's left bank, is home to the well-known landmark of the Fraumünster, which contains artwork by Chagall and Giacometti, as well as a beautiful Romanesque choir, high vaulted transept and elaborate organ (dating from the 1960s). Zunfthaus zur Waag, a splendid guild house, built in 1637, which heavily influenced the architectural style of Swiss buildings at the time, can also be found here. Architecturally, its style is predominantly Renaissance, although it boasts late Gothic windows and a gabled facade. Interestingly, the downfall of Brun's confederacy in 1798 (at the hands of the invading French) saw the guildhouse pass into private hands, although the Waag guild managed to repurchase it in 1828.