A sight on every corner.
The Lindenhof Quarter is like an open-air museum. On almost every corner you will find a historical monument. These are indicated by blue boards and explained with the most important details. In future you can take virtual sightseeing tours or download a map for your personal stroll at www.inzueri.ch.
Lindenhof.
Lindenhof is part of the historical center of Zurich. The Celts settled here, the Romans built a fort here, in early Middle Ages the first Carolingian church stood here before becoming an Ottonian palatinate headquarter. Remains of the Roman castle walls are still to be seen. A further important evidence of time in Lindenhof is the second century Roman gravestone. In the 13th century Lindenhof became a square – as it is today. And it remains a favorite for many who want to enjoy the view over Limmat and Old Town from its hilly prominence.
Fraumünster.
Fraumünster church is one of the most important buildings in Zurich. Originally founded in the 9th century as a convent by Louis the German, grandson of Charlemagne, it was a Benedictine abbey until the Reformation. Today, its windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti are justly famous and a must-see.
St Peter’s church.
If you want to know what the time is, just a look at St. Peter’s tower. Up there is Europe’s largest clock face – 8.6 meters in diameter. Saint Peter’s is the oldest church in Zurich, but has been rebuilt and enlarged in the course of time. The pre, early and late Roman building traces are still to be seen today.
Augustinerkirche – Augustiner church.
The Augustiner church was built in 13th century by Augustinian hermits. During the Reformation, the church was used to press wine. Since 1842 it has been in the possession of the catholic church again.
Augustinergasse – Augustiner Alley.
The smart Augustinergasse leads from Bahnhofstrasse to St Petershofstatt – passing historic buildings such as Haus zur Reblaube. There Goethe, the famous German writer, visited his friend Johann Caspar Lavater, philosopher, writer and minister of St Peter’s church, in 1779.
Schipfe.
Directly on the Limmat you will find the craftsmen’s alley, Schipfe. In medieval times this was a reloading place for important goods and was predominantly inhabited by fishermen, tanners and boat builders. There are still craftsman workshops on Schipfe – almost as many as bon-vivants – for the Schipfe is a popular place to linger, shop and dine.
Rudolf Brun gravestone.
Rudolf Brun was the first mayor of Zurich. He was responsible for the “Brunsche Zunftverfassung” – the Brunsche Guild constitution. This gave the craftsmen more rights including the formation of guilds. Rudolf Brun’s gravestone stands by St Peter’s church tower stairway.
Hans Waldman.
Hans Waldmann was elected mayor of Zurich in 1483. Six years later he was executed because of pressure from farmers who rejected his reforms aimed at transferring all power to the guilds. The Waldmann bronze figure on Münsterbrücke was created by Hermann Haller.
Ganymede statue.
The Ganymede statue standing on Bürkliplatz was created in 1952 by Hermann Hubacher. It symbolizes man’s longing to ascend Mount Olympus – Ganymede (the youth) pleading with Zeus (the eagle), father of the gods, to bear him up.
Zunfthaus zur Meisen.
The Zunfthaus zur Meisen – the Guildhall zur Meisen was built over 250 years ago and features impressive baroque rooms. The Guildhall houses the Swiss National Museum’s porcelain and faience collection.
Roman Thermal Springs.
During construction work in 1983, the remains of Roman thermal springs were discovered. Glass covered, they can be viewed through metal grids in Thermengasse. A display case presents interesting information about them.
Strauhof Museum.
Not only are the exhibits at the Strauhof Museum worth seeing, but so too are the museum rooms themselves – dating from 1772. It is one of the few museums in the German speaking world to present predominantly literary exhibitions. Consequently the focus is on the museum’s own exhibits.
Toy Museum.
The toys of the past are mirrors reflecting life in their times. Steam engines and locomotives tell the story of industrial progress, dolls’ dresses inform about fashion at the time and so on. The Zurich toy museum presents European toys from the 18th to mid 20th century.
Flower and vegetable market on Bürkliplatz.
The most beautiful and colorful market in the city is situated by the lake – on Bürklipatz. Every Thursday and Friday you can find a large range of flowers, fruits, vegetables, regional specialties and biological products.
Flea Market on Bükliplatz.
From May until October people with noses for nostalgia, bargain hunters and collectors of rarities meet up on Bürklipaltz to rummage for precious objects, clutter, curiosities and antiquities.
Candle dipping on Bürklipatz.
In November and December the opportunity to do candle dipping is provided in the pavilion on Bürkliplatz – a tradition since 1969. In the middle of the hectic pre-Christmas season an oasis of contemplation is cre-ated in the center of the city. A place where people meet and can be active together.
Urania Observatory.
The Urania Observatory brings one quite
a step nearer the sky. While looking through the telescope you can gaze at the stars – 600 times enlarged. And you can digest this remarkable experience in Zurich’s highest bar – right next door.
Limmatboat.
Anyone who has had enough of shopping should best hop on a Limmat boat. These chug up and down the river Limmat at hourly intervals. Barely above the surface of the water, they offer a very special perspective of Zurich’s beautiful Old Town – a swan’s view.
The Lindenhof Quarter is like an open-air museum. On almost every corner you will find a historical monument. These are indicated by blue boards and explained with the most important details. In future you can take virtual sightseeing tours or download a map for your personal stroll at www.inzueri.ch.
Lindenhof.
Lindenhof is part of the historical center of Zurich. The Celts settled here, the Romans built a fort here, in early Middle Ages the first Carolingian church stood here before becoming an Ottonian palatinate headquarter. Remains of the Roman castle walls are still to be seen. A further important evidence of time in Lindenhof is the second century Roman gravestone. In the 13th century Lindenhof became a square – as it is today. And it remains a favorite for many who want to enjoy the view over Limmat and Old Town from its hilly prominence.
Fraumünster.
Fraumünster church is one of the most important buildings in Zurich. Originally founded in the 9th century as a convent by Louis the German, grandson of Charlemagne, it was a Benedictine abbey until the Reformation. Today, its windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti are justly famous and a must-see.
St Peter’s church.
If you want to know what the time is, just a look at St. Peter’s tower. Up there is Europe’s largest clock face – 8.6 meters in diameter. Saint Peter’s is the oldest church in Zurich, but has been rebuilt and enlarged in the course of time. The pre, early and late Roman building traces are still to be seen today.
Augustinerkirche – Augustiner church.
The Augustiner church was built in 13th century by Augustinian hermits. During the Reformation, the church was used to press wine. Since 1842 it has been in the possession of the catholic church again.
Augustinergasse – Augustiner Alley.
The smart Augustinergasse leads from Bahnhofstrasse to St Petershofstatt – passing historic buildings such as Haus zur Reblaube. There Goethe, the famous German writer, visited his friend Johann Caspar Lavater, philosopher, writer and minister of St Peter’s church, in 1779.
Schipfe.
Directly on the Limmat you will find the craftsmen’s alley, Schipfe. In medieval times this was a reloading place for important goods and was predominantly inhabited by fishermen, tanners and boat builders. There are still craftsman workshops on Schipfe – almost as many as bon-vivants – for the Schipfe is a popular place to linger, shop and dine.
Rudolf Brun gravestone.
Rudolf Brun was the first mayor of Zurich. He was responsible for the “Brunsche Zunftverfassung” – the Brunsche Guild constitution. This gave the craftsmen more rights including the formation of guilds. Rudolf Brun’s gravestone stands by St Peter’s church tower stairway.
Hans Waldman.
Hans Waldmann was elected mayor of Zurich in 1483. Six years later he was executed because of pressure from farmers who rejected his reforms aimed at transferring all power to the guilds. The Waldmann bronze figure on Münsterbrücke was created by Hermann Haller.
Ganymede statue.
The Ganymede statue standing on Bürkliplatz was created in 1952 by Hermann Hubacher. It symbolizes man’s longing to ascend Mount Olympus – Ganymede (the youth) pleading with Zeus (the eagle), father of the gods, to bear him up.
Zunfthaus zur Meisen.
The Zunfthaus zur Meisen – the Guildhall zur Meisen was built over 250 years ago and features impressive baroque rooms. The Guildhall houses the Swiss National Museum’s porcelain and faience collection.
Roman Thermal Springs.
During construction work in 1983, the remains of Roman thermal springs were discovered. Glass covered, they can be viewed through metal grids in Thermengasse. A display case presents interesting information about them.
Strauhof Museum.
Not only are the exhibits at the Strauhof Museum worth seeing, but so too are the museum rooms themselves – dating from 1772. It is one of the few museums in the German speaking world to present predominantly literary exhibitions. Consequently the focus is on the museum’s own exhibits.
Toy Museum.
The toys of the past are mirrors reflecting life in their times. Steam engines and locomotives tell the story of industrial progress, dolls’ dresses inform about fashion at the time and so on. The Zurich toy museum presents European toys from the 18th to mid 20th century.
Flower and vegetable market on Bürkliplatz.
The most beautiful and colorful market in the city is situated by the lake – on Bürklipatz. Every Thursday and Friday you can find a large range of flowers, fruits, vegetables, regional specialties and biological products.
Flea Market on Bükliplatz.
From May until October people with noses for nostalgia, bargain hunters and collectors of rarities meet up on Bürklipaltz to rummage for precious objects, clutter, curiosities and antiquities.
Candle dipping on Bürklipatz.
In November and December the opportunity to do candle dipping is provided in the pavilion on Bürkliplatz – a tradition since 1969. In the middle of the hectic pre-Christmas season an oasis of contemplation is cre-ated in the center of the city. A place where people meet and can be active together.
Urania Observatory.
The Urania Observatory brings one quite
a step nearer the sky. While looking through the telescope you can gaze at the stars – 600 times enlarged. And you can digest this remarkable experience in Zurich’s highest bar – right next door.
Limmatboat.
Anyone who has had enough of shopping should best hop on a Limmat boat. These chug up and down the river Limmat at hourly intervals. Barely above the surface of the water, they offer a very special perspective of Zurich’s beautiful Old Town – a swan’s view.