Grossmünster
Facing onto the River Limmat, Grossmunster, the city’s
symbols are best seen from Rathausbrücke. The twin towers
of the attractive church is said to be the largest in Zurich
and originally endowed by Charlemagne. Parts of it, dates back
to the 11th and 13th centuries, notably the Crypt, which is
the largest of its kind in Switzerland.
An interesting fact- recent archaeological discovery suggests
the existence of a Roman cemetery underneath the church. There
are remains of a Romanesque cloister, 12th-century statuary,
and stained glass in the choir by Augusto Giacometti (Alberto’s
cousin).
Fraumünster
Dating from the ninth century (when it was a Benedictine
Abbey), this beautiful chapel surely attracts visitors with
the five 20th-century stained-glass windows in the choir by
Marc Chagall (1970).
Built in the 12th century, the church is predominantly Gothic,
although the choir is Romanesque was. Besides, the Fraumünste
spire is an elegant and notable landmark dating from 1732.
The rest of the church is was originally endowed by Charlemagne’s
grandson, the German king Ludwig, in 853 and later became the
church of the Zurich noblewomen’s convent. The stained
glass windows in the north transept are by Alberto Giacometti’s
cousin, Augusto and these glass works of art are best seen in
the morning light.
Museum Rietberg
Rietberg Museum of Non-European Art, exhibits its collection
within three buildings. Two of these, dating from the 1850s,
are set within the Rieterpark. The Villa Wesendonck has special
exhibitions in addition to its collection of Indian, Chinese
and African art (the core of which is the sculpture collection
donated by Baron Eduard von der Heydt), while the Park-Villa
Rieter has paintings from China, Japan and India. The third
building, Haus zum Kiel, Hirschengraben 20, has rotating exhibitions.
There are occasional world music concerts in the Park-Villa
Rieter.
Kunsthaus Zürich (Zurich Art Gallery)
Being the city’s one of the most important art gallery,
Kunsthaus boasts of huge collection of paintings and sculptures
by Swiss and international masters, covering most periods from
medieval times but predominately from the 19th and 20th centuries.
It is interesting to note that you’ll find two of
Monet’s Water Lilies paintings, besides you will see some
of the largest collection of Eduard Munch’s works outside
Norway. There are also good collections of photography, the
Dadaists and Alberto Giacometti, as well as an important library.
Uetliberg (Ütliberg)
Climbing up to the tallest point in the city will give you
a panoramic view. Elevated to 871m (2857ft), with views over
Zurich, the lake and (on a clear day) the Alps, you will simply
love the sight. The Uetliberg, part of the Albis ridge is approximately
one-and-a-half to two-hour walk to Felsenegg, from where a cable
car connects to Adliswil station. Besides there is a 24-hour
train/cable car pass.
Accommodation is easy with several hotels offering refreshing
service out of the ordinary. Further, these stylish accommodations,
furnished to the highest standard with comfort at the forefront,
provide perfect venues from which to look down upon the city,
while Zurich Tourism showers that little extra lap of luxury
and solace to the guests.
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