Grossmünster
The twin-towered Romanesque cathedral and symbol of Zurich, where Huldrych Zwingli launched the Swiss Reformation in the 16th century.
The Grossmünster stands on the east bank of the Limmat. Legend has it that Charlemagne ordered it built over the graves of the patron saints Felix and Regula in Zurich. The surviving building dates from roughly 1100 to 1220 and is in the Romanesque style. The two towers received new neo-Gothic domes after a fire in the 18th century, and they have become a symbol of Zurich's skyline. From 1519, the reformer Huldrych Zwingli served as pastor here and launched the Swiss Reformation movement, which is why the interior is so austere. Highlights include the agate-slice stained-glass windows designed by artist Sigmar Polke (2009), the coloured glass windows designed by Augusto Giacometti, the bronze door reliefs, and the seated statue of Charlemagne on the outer wall of the south tower (the original is in the basement). You can climb the Karlsturm (187 steps, ticket about CHF 5) for views over the Old Town, the Limmat and the lake. Entry to the church is free, but visits are suspended during services.
Opening hours
Mar–Oct 10:00–18:00; Nov–Feb 10:00–17:00 (open Sundays after service)
Nearby sights
- Zurich Lake & River Baths (Badi)
- Fraumünster
- St. Peter Church
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Niederdorf (Old Town)
- Lake Zurich
- Lindenhof
- Confiserie Sprüngli Paradeplatz