The Zurich Cathedral is one of the city’s most representative 16th-century churches. This temple played a major role in the Protestant Reformation, and its two twin towers, along with its fascinating history, have made it a distinctive symbol of Switzerland.
Its name means Great Monastery, and the two magnificent towers offer a breathtaking view of the city and nearby churches, including the Fraumünster Abbey and Peterskirche.
If you want to visit the Cathedral along with other highlights of Zurich, here are some recommended guided activities:
- 2-hour walking tour of Zurich’s Old Town
- City tour with lake cruise
- City tour with lake cruise and Lindt Chocolate House visit
- 2-hour city bus tour
History of Zurich Cathedral
The Zurich Cathedral in Switzerland was founded by Charlemagne after his horse stopped on the tomb of three early Christian martyrs. Felix, Regula, and Exuperantius had arrived in Zurich, where they were captured, tortured, and ultimately martyred.
According to tradition, they were immersed in boiling oil, forced to drink molten lead, and even in their weakened state, dug their own graves on a hill where they were later buried.
Construction of the Grossmünster began there in 1090 and was completed in 1230. The church was dedicated to these three martyrs, who became the patron saints of Zurich. The martyrs’ remains are divided between the churches of Andermatt and St. Felix and Regula.
The church underwent several transformations over the following centuries. The north tower, which houses the bells, was originally taller than the south tower, but in the 15th century, the south tower was raised to match the height of the north.
The Beginning of the Reformation
The church became more prominent thanks to a man named Huldrych Zwingli (1484–1531), one of the great leaders of the Reformation. After 12 years of preaching, Zwingli advocated for religious freedom, denounced the Mass, opposed idolatry, and encouraged priests to marry.
Zurich Cathedral’s history reflects Zurich’s journey through faith, reform, and tradition, making it an enduring symbol of the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Zurich became a religious center that attracted theologians and students from various places. By 1529, cities like St. Gallen, Bern, and Biel had embraced the Reformation.
During a war in Kappel between Catholics and Protestants, Huldrych Zwingli was killed in 1531. His body was dismembered and burned, leaving no relics. At the place where he died, an inscription reads, “You can kill the body but not the soul.”
Restorations
In 1763, after a fire, the towers of Zurich Cathedral were destroyed. They were later rebuilt in the Gothic style, which remains to this day.
For a time, the interior was decorated in the Baroque style, though it was eventually returned to a Romanesque appearance.
Architecture, façade, and description of the Grossmünster in Switzerland
The church combines Romanesque and Gothic styles that stand out among the surrounding structures. Its austere architecture is a nod to Protestantism. Zurich’s cathedral features a façade flanked by two Gothic-style twin bell towers with three floors each.
The towers are topped with metal domes, and one of them holds a replica of a statue of Charlemagne seated with a sword across his knees.
Originally, the towers and the entire structure were built in the Romanesque style. After a fire between 1487 and 1492, they were rebuilt in Gothic style. Climbing nearly 200 steps to the north tower rewards visitors with a stunning panoramic view of the city, including Lake Zurich and the Alps.
The north portal of the cathedral has beautiful Romanesque carvings of animals and plants, while the south portal features modern bronze doors. Visitors can also find a statue of Heinrich Bullinger on the right side of the north portal wall.
Visiting the interior of the cathedral
The interior of Zurich Cathedral is unique, as it’s almost completely empty. This is because Zwingli denounced its statues and paintings, and the church has remained bare ever since.
The minimal ornamentation allows the architecture to stand out. In addition to the Grossmünster crypt and the colorful chancel windows, to the right of the chancel are stairs leading to the chapel, where visitors can find a fountain, an altar, and faded frescoes on the north wall.
Adjacent to the crypt is the church’s chapter hall, home to the Theological Institute of the University of Zurich. From there, a door opens to a cloister renovated in the 1960s, featuring representations of human figures and a variety of creatures, both real and mythical.
Austere style
Due to the Protestant Reformation led by Zwingli, the interior of Zurich Cathedral is remarkably empty. For some, this austerity and its historical significance are charming, while others find it sparse.
Among the few decorations are Giacometti’s colorful stained glass windows. These, together with the architecture, create a harmonious view for visitors.
Zurich’s Grossmünster Cathedral remains a striking symbol of the Reformation, where simplicity and historical depth intertwine, offering a powerful reminder of its spiritual and cultural heritage.
Bronze Doors by Otto Münch
The bronze doors of the Grossmünster were designed by the German artist Otto Münch (1885–1965) and are among his finest works. The cathedral has two main doors: the northern door, known as the Bible portal, and the southern door, known as the Zwingli portal.
The Southern Portal
This portal features reliefs depicting scenes from the Reformation and the history of the cathedral. With 24 images, the corners display the city’s patron, Charlemagne, and the emblems of Zurich and the church. This sequence of images should be read from the bottom left to the top right.
The Northern Portal
This door is adorned with reliefs of biblical scenes, consisting of 42 depictions of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Ten Commandments, and various New Testament events. The northern portal’s reliefs were created between 1935 and 1938.
Chancel Stained Glass Windows
The stained glass windows in the chancel of the Zurich Cathedral were made in 1933 by the Swiss painter Augusto Giacometti (1877–1947), a master of color and the nephew of famous abstract artist Alberto Giacometti.
These windows depict the Magi bringing gifts to the Virgin and Child, with angels above.
Crypt with Charlemagne Statue
The Grossmünster crypt is a three-nave space and the largest crypt in Switzerland. Here, you’ll find a 15th-century stone statue of Charlemagne, which once stood atop the south tower. A replica now occupies the original site.
Useful Information
To enhance your visit, an audio guide is highly recommended. It will guide you through the site, offering valuable historical insights into the structure and events associated with it.
Admission to the Grossmünster
Entry to the cathedral is free for all visitors. However, to climb the nearly 200 steps of the tower, there is a fee of 2 Swiss francs (about 1.3 euros).
The price and the effort of the climb are well worth it, as the view is breathtaking.
Opening Hours of Zurich Cathedral
The Zurich Cathedral’s hours are as follows:
- From November to February: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
- From March to October: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
The towers are open to the public from March to October during the church’s operating hours.
Additionally, visitors can attend religious services and musical events.
How to Get There
The cathedral is located beside the Limmat River in Zurich’s historic center, at Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.
Getting there is easy:
- The bus system is efficient and punctual, making it a convenient option.
- Alternatively, you can take the tram, the most popular form of transport in Zurich. Take lines 4, 11, or 15 and get off at Helmhaus station.