Zurich places
Grossmunster
Fraumunster
Zurich Art Gallery
Swiss National Museum
Zunfthaus zur Meisen ("zur Meisen" Guild Hall)
Museum Rietberg
Museum of Contemporary Art
Zurich Schipfe
Grossmunster
This attractive cathedral is the largest in Zurich and also the
city's symbol. Its twin towers face onto the River Limmat and
can be best seen from Rathausbrucke. Originally endowed by Charlemange,
parts of this minster date back to the 11th and 13th centuries.
The Crypt is the largest of its kind in Switzerland. There are
remains of a Romanesque cloister, 12th century statuary and stained
glass in the choir by Augusto Giacometti. Recent archaeological
discoveries and researces suggest the existence
of a Roman cemetery under the church. The Karlstrum tower has
187 steps and there is no lift.
Fraumunster
This beautiful church dates back from the 9th century. Then it
was a Benedictine abbey. Despite the fact it is often the five
20th century stained glass windows that attract visitors. Their
beauty can be best seen in the mourning light. Though the undercroft
contains the original abbey crypt, the church had begun in the
12th century. Another elegant landmark is the Fraumunster spire,
dating back to 1732. The rest of the church is predominantly Gothic,
although the choir is Romanesque. The site was originally endowed
by Gharlemagne's grandson (the German king Ludwig) in 853 and
later became the church of Zurich noblewoman's
convent. The stained glass windows to the North are by Albertos
cousin - Augusto.
Zurich Art Gallery
Kunsthaus Zurich is the most important gallery in Zurich. It is
proud by a collection of paintings and sculptures by famous Swiss
and international artists, from most periods from medieval times,
but predominantly from the 19th and 20th centuries. Two of Monet's
masterpieces - The Water Lilies and the largest collection of
Eduard Munch outside Norway can be seen here and also many works
by Fussly and Hodler and important works by many Expressionalists.
Tours are also available in English in case they
are reserved in advance. The gallery is being currently renovated
and it is due to open in 2005.
Swiss National Museum
Schweizerisches Landesmuseum lies on a landscaped triangle between
the Hauptbahnhof and the Limmat and Sihl rivers. It has fulfilled
the role the nation's attic for over a century. It hosts special
exhibitions, showing the Swiss culture. These
include not only paintings and sculpture, but also weapons, flags,
watches, clocks and other prehistoric tools and objects.
Zunfthaus zur Meisen ("zur Meisen" Guild Hall)
This guild hall is situated opposite the Fraumunster, hosts collections
of 18th century Swiss pottery and china. These elegant Rococo
galleries are a suitable setting for the beautifully decorated
porcelain figures that were produced in Kilchberg
- Schooren, Zurich and other porcelain and pottery factories.
The building itself is considered to be the most beautiful of
all the Zurich guild houses. It is built in 1757 and expresses
Baroque aesthetic.
Museum Rietberg
Rietberg Museum consists of three buildings and houses a collection
of Non - European Art. Two of these, dating back from 1850s, are
set within the Rieterpark. The Villa Wesendonck has special exhibits
in addition to its collection of Indian, Chinese and African art
(the most important of which is the collection donated by Baron
Eduard von der Heydt), while the Park - Villa
Rieter has paintings from China, Japan and India and also host
occasional world music cocerts. The third building - Haus zum
Kiel has rotating exhibitions.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Migros Museum fur Gegenwartskunst is devoted to collecting and
exhibiting contemporary art, especially from the 1990s. There
are both solo and group exhibitions.
Zurich Schipfe
"Schipfe" is one of the oldest quarters of the city of Zurich.
In the 16th century it became the headquarters of silk industry
and boatbuilding. Today the Schipfe is a street of artisans. The
romantic shops offer quality custom - made products. The Schipfe
is an idyllic location for walks and shopping.
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