Zurich Sights and Landmarks Guide

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The Sights and Sounds of Zurich

Known as the Cultural Capital of Switzerland, Zurich is the largest city in the country. With its thriving cultural and commercial environment, it is deemed to be the city with the best quality of life. It is the world’s fourth-largest stock market and is the single most important market for gold and precious metals. Despite its status, Zurich has managed to maintain its cultural heritage, making it another inviting tourist spot. Listed here are some of the city’s most exciting attractions.

Churches

Massive cathedrals and age-old churches find their place in Zurich and tourists will enjoy the history these monuments carry. The most famous landmark in the city is the Grossmünster, a Romanesque and Gothic cathedral situated on the bank of the river Limmat. According to legend, the church was founded by Charlemagne when his horse bowed down on the graves of three Christian Martyrs, who are also patron saints of the city. Its gigantic towers and pillars overpower the rest of the small-scaled city. Its bare interiors are a complete opposite of its ornate faced. A statue of Charlemagne can be found in the Cathedral. It is also said to house the remains of the three martyrs.

South of Lindenhof stands St. Peter’s Church, the oldest in Zurich. Its clock face is the largest of its kind in Europe. Inside, tourists can marvel at its elegant interiors and murals as well as its most interesting sight, the name of God in Hebrew, written above the church’s pulpit.

Museums

Several art movements, such as the Dada Movement and the Constructive Art Movement, took their first steps in Zurich, which is why it is no wonder that Zurich is also a city full of museums. The Schweizerisches Landesmuseum offers extensive exhibits on Swiss culture and history. The Kunsthaus Zürich is one of the most modern and sophisticated museums in the world and is one of Europe’s most important art houses. Visitors can view galleries of 19th and 20th century art, although there are also painting and sculptures that reach back to antiquity. There is also the Spielzuegmuseum (toy museum) for the kids, and even the kids at heart.

Culture

Of course, Zurich isn’t all about its churches, museums, and architectural landmarks. There are parades, events, and cultural activities that can be enjoyed as well.

For a taste of what it’s like to party in Zurich, visitors can attend the Street Parade, which is one of the largest techno parties in the world. It is Zurich’s biggest annual event and happens in August. For a tamer, more cultural activity, there is the Zürcher Theater Spektakel, an international theatre festival for contemporary performing arts and Zürifäscht, a triennial music festival attracting an audience of over 2 million.

There are theaters, operas, and ballets that can be enjoyed as well. The Zürcher Opernhaus is one of the most famous in Europe. Other theaters include the Schauspielhaus Zürich, Theater am Neumarkt, and Theater der Künste.

Zurich is also known for its nightlife. Niederdorf in Zurich’s Old Town has restaurants, lounges, bars, and clubs. Langstrasse offers Brazilian bars, punk and hip-hop clubs, and Italian espresso bars.