On the shores of Lake Zurich, in the north-east of Switzerland, lies the city of Zurich, over which the majestic mountain peaks of Uetliberg and Zurichberg rise. The city was first mentioned in the II century, and in the Roman period it served as a customs point. Today Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, an important economic, financial and cultural center of the world. We will go to this amazing city and consider the most important sights of Zurich.
1
Central train station
The beautiful railway station, which is a real monument of architecture, meets tourists and guests of Zurich.
The station leads its history from the first station, built by Gustav Albert Wegmann, and in 1847 a new building was erected. In 1871, the station building was significantly expanded by the architect Jakob Friedrich Wanner.
The unique train station was named "Zürich Hauptbahnhof" to emphasize that it links all the railway lines of the suburbs of Zurich. The main entrance is decorated with a majestic arch, and the facade of the station is decorated with magnificent sculptural compositions.
2
Grossmünster
The majestic temple was built in the Romanesque architectural style, and at one time played an important role in the reform movement of Europe.
In 1090, the cathedral began to be built on the site of the old Carolingian church, but Grossmunster received the first parishioners in 1220. The main facade faces the Limmat River embankment, and in the Middle Ages it was a monastery.
According to legend, Charlemagne founded the cathedral, which ordered the church to be built in the place where his horse fell on his knees in front of the graves of the patrons of Zurich - Saints Felix and Regula.
3
Fraumunster
The King of Bavaria, Louis II, nicknamed the German, ordered in 853 to build a cathedral on the shore of Limmat for his daughter Hildegard.
The abbey was generously endowed with lands, and he was guaranteed immunity. The abbey expanded its power over the cantons, and in 1045 the abbess, in fact, became the head of the city, not subordinate to the emperors.
The political and economic power of the abbey faded in the 15th century. The cathedral is magnificent, both outside and inside, and the largest organ in the canton is installed in its walls.
4
Bahnhofstrasse
Any guide to Zurich begins or leads a tourist on Bahnhofstrasse - the central city street, known worldwide for its expensive boutiques and souvenir shops.
The history of the street begins in 1864, when city fortifications were destroyed and a moat was filled up in front of the fortress walls.
The most expensive street in Europe is pedestrian, but an important part of the city tram transport system passes through it.
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru you can read an article about the most beautiful streets in the world.
5
St. Peter's Church
The oldest city church in the historical heart of Zurich is famous for having the largest clock in Europe installed on its facade.
Information about the religious building dates back to the 9th century, and archaeological excavations have shown that the first church building was erected at the turn of the 7th-8th centuries.
Over its entire history, it has been rebuilt several times, and therefore today it is a unique monument in which various architectural styles are harmoniously combined.
6
Swiss National Museum
Zurich is marked on the map of Switzerland as a city of museums, the most interesting of which is the Landesmuseum, leading its history from 1898.
The building for the museum in the style of eccentric eclecticism was built by architect Gustav Guillem. But in form it resembles a chateau from the French Renaissance with a majestic facade, beautiful towers and cozy courtyards.
The halls of the museum showcase the history of the country from prehistoric times to the present. Amazing facts can be found in the room of the Knights, as well as consider the unique artifacts of the heyday of Gothic.
7
City Hall
The magnificent Baroque building was erected in 1694-1698, and for a long time it served as the main administrative building of the Republic.
With its facade it faces the Limmatquai promenade, and around is a quarter in the Old Town, which is also called the Town Hall. In 1803, the Council of the Canton moved to the building.
Not only the external appearance was perfectly preserved, but also the most luxurious interior with beautifully decorated ceilings and carved elements preserved in the banquet hall.
8
Utliberg
In the vicinity of Zurich rises Mount Uetliberg, which is equipped with a viewing platform and a tower for tourists. Before visiting, tourists are given a map with the surrounding mountain peaks marked on it and a description of the heights.
The mountain itself rises above sea level to an altitude of 869 m, and is a beautiful natural landmark of Zurich, and throughout Switzerland. The mountain is covered with forests, and for those who wish to take walks, hiking trails are laid.
You can get to the majestic mountains by train, which departs from the central city station.
9
Opera theatre
The predecessor of the Opera House was the Aktientheater Theater, built in 1834. Wagner, exiled from Germany, performed on his stage.
In 1890, the building of the first theater died in a fire, and in 1891 a new beautiful building was built, in which the Swiss opera moved. In the 70s of the twentieth century, the building underwent a major reconstruction, and its neoclassical facade was decorated with busts of renowned composers, poets and writers.
Now the opera house is a joint-stock company financed by the largest banks in Switzerland.
10
Zoo
Animal lovers, and especially children will get a lot of vivid impressions by visiting the Zurich Zoo.
The entire territory of the huge zoo is divided into thematic zones, which represent the flora and fauna of the continents of the Earth. For one visit, you can visit various parts of the planet, having got acquainted with almost all representatives of the animal world.
In addition, here you can relax in cozy cafes, look at the feeding of animals, and in winter capture a unique penguin parade on the photo.
11
Urania Observatory
There is such an unusual place in Zurich as the Urania Observatory, towering above other buildings, and standing out for its domed roof.
It is here that you can feel like an astronomer, observing the phenomena of space with the help of a powerful telescope. Locals and tourists affectionately call it the "window of the universe." It is open three days a week, from Thursday to Saturday.
In addition, from the observation deck at night, magnificent views of Zurich glowing with all the lights open.
12
Lindenhof
Zurich's most beautiful quarter is located on the left bank of the Limmat River, and translated from German means the Linden Court.
This is a small area on a hill, from which you can see all the sights of the city. Once there was a Roman settlement here, which served as a customs point, and later the Carolingians erected their palace.
A beautiful place for many centuries remained sacred to every Swiss. Here, city meetings, holidays were held, and the citizens of Zurich in 1798 took an oath of allegiance to the republic.
13
Kunsthaus Museum
Under such an unusual sign, consonant with the St. Petersburg Kunstkamera, one of the most unique collections of fine art is hiding.
In the halls of the museum you can see masterpieces of painting of the 15th century, be fascinated by the works of Renaissance masters, and also get acquainted with the paintings of painters of the 20th century.
In addition, the museum building, built in 1910, hosts exhibitions of contemporary art.
14
Rhine Falls
One of the main natural attractions of Switzerland, the Rhine Falls impresses with its noise, fog of water splashes and dozens of rainbows formed in clubs of water dust. It is located 25 kilometers north of Zurich, 500 meters from the border with Germany.
It is the largest waterfall in Europe in terms of the volume of water falling from a height of 23 meters, and the width of the river in this place is 143 meters. Around there are many natural sites from which you can see all the beauties of the waterfall and its surroundings.
Tourists are delivered to the waterfall by a train, and on a small boat you can swim to the very center of the water attraction.
15
Toy museum
Zurich is famous not only for its reliable banks, but also for its unique toy museum, in the halls of which you can immerse yourself in the happy atmosphere of a carefree childhood.
In the 19th century, a toy store owned by Karl Weber was located on Fortunagass Street. He was sorry to sell some toys, and he left them for his collection. Then at auctions he began to acquire toys from around the world.
So an amazing and unique toy museum appeared, located in a two-room apartment in the house next to the Weber store.
16
Mahmud Mosque
The construction of the mosque began in 1962, and the mayor of the city and the UN Secretary General, Pakistani Muhammad Zafrullah Khan, attended the grand opening.
It was built according to all the canons of Islamic architecture with some European features. The minaret rises above the main building, and the mosque is decorated with valuable white marble.
Today it is the only mosque of this kind, since in 2009 the People’s Party of Switzerland initiated a referendum, where citizens opposed the construction of new minarets.
On our site most-beauty.ru you can also see interesting material about the most beautiful mosques on the planet.
17
Émile Bürle Foundation Meeting
A unique private museum is the real pride of the Swiss, as its collection contains amazing exhibits from various historical eras.
The industrialist Emile Georg Bürle collected the collection, and after his death it was transformed into a fund. Since 1960, unique works of art and artifacts are on display next to Villa Brulee.
Tourists are amazed by objects of ancient art, medieval sculptures, as well as a collection of masterpieces of European painters of different times and directions.
18
Zurichhorn Park
The picturesque park, lost among the city blocks, will give you the pleasure of communicating with nature and the clean Alpine air.
From its vast territory, lined with trees, you can enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Alps and the mirror of crystal-clear Zurich Lake.
The park in the heart of a large European city has become a resting place not only for local residents, but also for many tourists who come to see the natural and man-made beauties of Zurich.
19
Fluntern Cemetery
A quiet place located high in the mountains above Zurich, where you can think about the meaning of life and think about eternal values.
The cemetery was included in the list of attractions due to the fact that historical celebrities, composers, writers, musicians, and political figures are buried here.
Here the famous writer James Jones ended his life. The graves of celebrities and ordinary citizens are decorated with expensive and exquisite sculptural sculptures, and in the center there is a small chapel.
20
Funicular Polybane
We complete the journey by taking a ride on an air rail tram that was put into operation back in 1889.
There are only two stations on the 175 m line. The lower one is Limmat's embankment, and the upper one is the University. It is noteworthy that the lower station is located in a residential building, and the lower one is a dilapidated wooden structure.
The whole journey on a unique funicular takes no more than 2 minutes, but the walk will give a lot of impressions and open up magnificent views of old Zurich.
Finally
So we found out where the city of Zurich is located - the capital of the German-speaking canton of Switzerland of the same name. As you can see, the city is full of various attractions, so if you come for a short time, you will need to clearly determine what to see in Zurich for 1 day and what to postpone until next trips.
Article author: Valery Skiba