Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It does not have a capital status, but it is recognized as the financial and transport center of the country. The historic center of Zurich is very attractive for its comfortable and measured pace of life, as well as historical attractions.
There has been a Celtic settlement on the site of Zurich since ancient times, however, as the city of Zurich began to develop since the 1st century AD, under the ancient Romans, who established a customs post here. It was located on the Linderhof hill. Now it offers a very beautiful view of the city`s waterfront.
In the 9th century, king Ludwig II of Germany, the grandson of Charlemagne, built Fraumunster Abbey in 853, which for several centuries owned Zurich and the surrounding lands. During the reformation of Ulrich Zwingli, in the 16th century, the Abbey was destroyed, but the Fraumunster Church on the banks of the Limmat river survived.
The patron saints of Zurich are Regula and Felix. They were executed in 286, on the site where now is the Church of Wasserkirche. They were buried nearby, on the hill where the main Cathedral of Zurich Grossmunster is now located.
The old city of Zurich has been preserved to our day in a significantly updated form. There are no medieval houses or fortress walls. The main attractions of the city are compactly located along both banks of the Limmat river, between the Main Station and lake Zurich. This distance is only 1 kilometer, so 1 day is enough for walking around the city.
There are many museums in Zurich, so if you decide to see them as well, then one day of walking around the city is not enough. The National Museum is located near the Main Railway station. It is one of the largest museums in Switzerland dedicated to the country`s history and culture. There are also several museums dedicated to Art of different eras.
The broad Limmat river flows out of lake Zurich. One of the main attractions of the city is the Limmat river Embankment (Limatquai), which runs along the right Bank of the river. The Old Town (Altstadt) is also located on this side. Its houses are located along the Waterfront and the Niederdorfstrasse. Directly above the water at the end of the 17th century, a beautiful Baroque town Hall was built. Walking along The Limmat embankment, you can feel the atmosphere of a thriving city.
