Zurich
Zürich is one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe and our favorite Swiss city. Despite its size - it's the largest city in Switzerland with 375,000 residents - Zürich still manages to retain its Old World charm. The German-speaking city is both large enough to offer every amenity and small enough to discover on an easy wander around town. The Altstadt (Old Town) is one of the most intriguing in Switzerland, with numerous historic churches, riverside quays, and winding cobblestone streets ideal for exploring.
Situated on the northern shore of Lake Zürich in the heart of Switzerland, Zürich stands between the wooded slopes of the Uetliberg and the Zürichberg and occupies both banks of the Limmat River. Zürich produces one-fifth of the country's income, but it is no souless commercial center. It was the center of the Swiss Reformation under Ulrich Zwingli in the 1500s and it is still a very Protestant town. It's also long been a center of liberal thought, attracting such scholars as Lenin, Carl Jung, James Joyce, and Thomas Mann. And the Dadaist artistic school was founded here in 1916.
Zurich Travel Resources
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See our Zurich Map for a closer view. |
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Religious Attractions in Zurich
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Built over an abbey church founded in 835, this 13th-century church is known for its elegant spire and Marc Chagall windows.
The unique and imposing Great Minster was built in 1090 by Charlemagne as a shrine to local martyrs. Later, Zwingli preached the Reformation from its pulpit.
Housed in a 19th-century Neo-Gothic castle, the Swiss National Museum is full of prehistoric artifacts and medieval religious art, including many altarpieces.
St. Peter's is the oldest church in Zürich and boasts the largest clock face in Europe.
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