Sightseeing
Sightseeing
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Culture
This stunning church, originally founded in the 9th century, boasts a modern twist with its stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. The windows are best enjoyed in the mornings, when light streams in through the colorful glass.
You pay a small fee to tour the cathedral and crypt museum, with audio guide included. There is no tower to climb here.
Location: Münsterhof 2, 8001 Zürich
Open: Mon to Fri 10:00 – 18:00, open Sundays after services until 18:00
Website: fraumuenster.ch
Don't miss the separate atrium next to the cathedral, which has frescos illustrating the foundation of the church. Legend has it that in the mountains above Zurich, two sisters, Hildegard and Bertha, dwelled in a high fortress. Each night, a deer with glowing horns would guide them through the dark forest to the River Limmat's edge, where they prayed. Viewing this as a divine message, they convinced their father to establish a monastery. Hildegard became its first abbess, and the monastery's legacy began.
Just outside the cathedral, the Münsterhof square is a great place to relax and watch the world go by. There are a few cafes, including excellent coffee at ViCAFE, and many chairs for lounging in the middle of the square. Caffè & Bar Belpaese is a nice place to sit for an afternoon cocktail with a view.
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