Visit the Grossmünster church

Its construction in Romanesque style began in 1100 and spanned a long period with numerous renovations and transformations over the centuries. During the first half of the 16th century, the cathedral was the starting point for the Reformation led by Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger. Ulrich Zwingli was appointed parish priest of the cathedral and converted the city to Protestantism within a few years. The theological school, at the time associated with the church, gave rise to the University of Zurich. In 1525, Catholic services were officially abolished, and Grossmünster became the first Reformed church in Switzerland.

One of the main features of the church, which you certainly won't want to miss, are its two large identical bell towers, which give it an undeniable resemblance to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Once made of wood, they were replaced by neo-Gothic bell towers in 1781, thanks to Caspar Vögeli and Johannes Haggenmille. One of the two towers, the Charlemagne Tower (Karslturm), has a copy of a statue of Charlemagne at its top, the original being housed in the crypt, the oldest part of the site.

Inside the church, you'll find a Romanesque temple with Gothic elements that has an austere appearance typical of the Reformist character. This sobriety contrasts with the choir, which features superb stained glass windows by Augusto Giacometti dating from 1932, depicting scenes from the Old Testament. In 2009, the German artist Sigmar Polke also created magnificent stained glass windows in agate in the nave, depicting key figures from the Old Testament.

The bronze doors byOtto Münch are well worth a visit. The most courageous will climb the 187 steps leading to the top of the Charlemagne Tower from the nave of the cathedral. Once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views over the rooftops of the old town, the lake and even the peaks of the Alps. To gain a better understanding of the political and religious upheavals that the church underwent, take a moment to visit the "Museum of the Reformation", located in the cloister.