Grossmünster

This church is a sandstone of the town Zürich Switzerland look at it in a incredibly safe part of the city. The church is tremendous specially going upstairs. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes with a small fee. You’ll see the most stunning view of the city. We loved praying here and spending time sitting down and relaxing. It’s very peaceful, full of tranquility and very quiet. People are respectful to the history and culture.

Lovely lovely church in the heart of Zürich. If you have a Zürich pass you can visit this place for free. The painted glasses adorn the places so wonderfully. It’s a serene place to sit and ease out. My top recommendations for this place is the staircase to the top, the view from the top is just breathtaking, and it is not that long of a climb. I would definitely visit this place again and take the climb in a different season just to get another breathtaking view !

Iconic church that rides up over the city, a landmark that can be viewed from multiple vantage points. The church is free to visit, but to climb the steps to the top you need a ticket. If you have the Zurich card you can also climb the steps for free.

Grossmünster is a symbol of Zürich and a must-visit for its twin towers and historical significance in the Swiss Reformation. The interior is simple but powerful, and if you climb the tower, you’re rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of the city. A place where history, faith, and architecture meet.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Grossmünster Zürich – The Beating Heart of Swiss History If Zurich had a voice, it would echo through the twin towers of Grossmünster. Standing proudly along the banks of the Limmat River, this Romanesque cathedral is not just a masterpiece of architecture – it’s a living monument, a stone witness to centuries of faith, revolution, and resilience. According to legend, it was Charlemagne himself who discovered the graves of Saints Felix and Regula on this very spot, and ordered a church to be built. Thus began the story of Grossmünster in the 12th century – not merely a place of worship, but a foundation of identity. This sacred place went on to become the birthplace of the Swiss Reformation, led by the bold and visionary Huldrych Zwingli. From these very pews and pulpits, history shifted. The church’s iconic twin towers dominate Zurich’s skyline and invite you to climb them – over 180 steps – for a view that will take your breath away. From the top, Zurich stretches before you like a living postcard: medieval rooftops, the glittering Limmat, and the distant Alps rising like a silent promise on the horizon. Inside, Grossmünster is stripped of luxury, yet full of power. Its austere design speaks to a deeper beauty – one of silence, strength, and purpose. The modern stained-glass windows by Sigmar Polke bring color and contemplation to the timeless stone, creating a dance of light that connects the past and present in a striking way. Grossmünster is not just a church – it is a sanctuary of spirit and history. Whether you come as a believer, a tourist, or a seeker of meaning, this place will leave a mark on your soul. You don’t just visit Grossmünster – you feel it. 📸 Bring your camera, but most importantly, bring your attention. Grossmünster speaks – if you’re ready to listen. ⸻ Powerful SEO keywords: Grossmünster Zürich, things to see in Zurich, Zurich cathedral, Swiss Reformation site, historic churches in Switzerland, Charlemagne Zurich legend, Zwingli Grossmünster, panoramic view Zurich, climb Grossmünster towers, religious heritage Switzerland, old town Zurich must-see.

Grossmünster is a beautiful Romanesque-style church right in the heart of Zurich. Its twin towers are a city landmark, visible from many parts of town. The church has deep historical roots, linked to the Reformation in Switzerland, which adds a fascinating layer to any visit. Climbing the tower stairs is a bit of a workout but totally worth it — the panoramic views of Zurich, the Limmat River, and the Alps on a clear day are stunning. Inside, the church is peaceful with impressive stained glass windows and interesting artwork. It’s a must-see if you’re into history and architecture, and a perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection.

The most well known religious landmark in all of Zurich. A lot of events during holidays happen in or around this structure. During Swiss Day (Aug 1) they had live music and a full program right behind the church. Find the cloistered garden on the side of the church. It's free entry and also is a decent spot to visit. Overall, a generic protestant church that is emblematic of Zurich as a whole!

Visited the church on a short layover in Zurich. The church is free to enter but a small charge to climb the tower. It is very beautiful on the inside with nice decor. The church is not very large. I enjoyed my visit.

Can't miss this church walking along the river. Inside is the usual high high ceilings, reliefs, and some stellar stained glass. It's about 3 meters to the top- (about $3) tickets available on site - no rez required. Stairs! First level a killer, you & your backpack will have a hard time navigating the tiny twisty stairs. Thankfully, there's a couple rest stops, one even has chairs by the windows, bring a book- or rest- pretending to be looking for something in your bag. There are eight windows on top with stunning views. Minus one star because they closed off the balconies, making it impossible to see past the 4' + decorative concrete barrier, except for snippets through the medallions. All in all, a worthwhile stop, but photographers will have to look for another vantage point.

The Grossmünster is a show stopper! We were walking along the river and I had to find a way to walk over there! Inside is gorgeous! They offer a tour inside, and walk-ins are welcome. You can walk inside and look (free of charge) at the first level of the church.

This is yet another Zurich cathedral that is gorgeous on the outside but rather plain on the inside. But unlike the others, Grossmünster does offer an intense section of stained glass when it catches the sun just right and a mighty pipe organ! The better pictures are on the outside, and the interior would be best during a church service or organ concert.

It is hard to miss the two towers of the Grossmünster from across the Zürich skyline. This is probably one of the most recognizable structures in the entire city. Construction began around 1100 with the crypt and the choir. The nave was rebuilt with the completion of the upper basilica around 1230. The twin towers were initially erected between 1487 and 1492 and then replaced after a 1763 fire. The building has been a protected monument since 1937. There's a lot of history here as one might expect for a structure that has been here for a millennium. For example, this is the burial place of Saints Felix and Regula who fled to Switzerland during the persecution conducted by co-Emperor Maximian and were martyred in 286. The interior is immense though more plain than some other huge churches. That has to do with the Swiss-German reformation that started from here in 1520. For example, there was a ban on church music, therefore the organs and some of the interior statues were removed. There's a lot going on and this is worth a minimum of an hour to appreciate. [Review 16471 overall - 21 in Switzerland - 1979 of 2021.]

All the time I used to live in Zurich, I never did it. It really took a return visit as a "tourist" to find some of the daily treasures of the city. One of them - the visual landmark of the skyline - is the Grossmuenster which is a stunning combination of elegance and simplicity reflective of the Zwinglian Reformation in the 16th century. Yes, I did see it from the street level, river level, and even had my graduation in it. But I never made it to the top of the tower - until this time. On a sunny day, the view over the city is just amazing!!! And as a little extra bonus, there are two spray paintings of Zurich's notorious "Sprayer" Harald Naegeli: illegal and a thorn in the officials' eyes in the past, but widely admired, he was now "allowed" to place two legal sprayings within the tower ...

Grossmünster is one of the most recognized landmark in Zurich with the twin towers in the facade. The exterior of the church is really photogenic as it towered over Limmat River on a small hill. I was planning to pay CHF 4 to climb the tower but when I saw no photographs sign everywhere inside the Church, I changed my mind. Being a Church built during the Romanesque period, the interior though a little plain but the modern stained-glass windows by Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti was added in 1932. I like how they have a bronze miniature modern right in front of the Church which is from the visually impaired so they can "see" the architecture details by touch.

Originally constructed in 1100 and inaugurated in 1229, Grossmunster church is an outstanding example of a Swiss Reformation Church. Huidrych Zwingli began the Swiss -German reformation movement here in 1520. That being said the exterior is in the Romanesque style of architecture with it's distinctive twin towers and is much more appealing than the interior. The interior reflects the Reformation idea of simplicity away from the Roman papacy. In other words, it is not nearly as awe inspiring as cathedrals in Spain, Italy, etc... What is worth seeing is the simple Romanesque crypt (11th-13th century, the ornate bronze doors (1935 &1950 ) by Otto Munch, the 1935 stained glass windows by Augusto Giacometti, the translucent Agate windows and some ancient paintings, manuscripts and bibles. It is free to enter but cost 5 CHF for adults, 2 CHF for 65+ to climb the part stone and wood stairs to the tower for impressive views of Alt Zurich and the Limmat River. The climb can be stressful for some. No photos are permitted inside. Ask for a card in your language that describes some of the features and objects found inside the church. There is a bronze miniature outside the church for the visually impaired. Legend has it that Charlemagne founded the church which is debatable. What is not debatable are the Roman burial grounds found near the church, as well as, the burial ground for numerous saints.

First, the Munster is beautiful. The Grossmunster along the Limmatquai is a very old two-spired Evangelical cathedral. It is tricky to get to, on a hill, among the old town. They hold services on Sundays. 4

Beautiful views of Zürich from the top of the bell tower. Not much of note inside the cathedral really. Just the standard stained glass windows and the like but the view from the top is enough to warrant a visit. 5 swiss francs for a ticket to the top of the tower and 100% worth the investment. Just a note of caution to those who have an issue with climbing stairs or who are claustrophobic that its a long climb up a very very narrow staircase.

What a lovely church and amazing views from the tower! I reckon if u are in Zurich for only a short visit and can't take the cable car up to Felsenegg for the views, then definitely pay the CHF 4 per person and climb the towers of this church for beautiful Zurich city views instead. I also loved the legend of how this church was built and don't forget to touch the third steeple of the model of the church for luck (you will know which one to rub as its shiny). The stained glass windows reminded me of Murano glass patterns and there is a mix of modernism and traditional images. Not as polarizing as the Chagall windows at the Fraumünster church in Zurich, but still definitely quite not what you usually encounter in a church of this era. Btw, the church tower climb isn't very taxing - if you have done the one in Notre Dame or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, I would suggest this climb is comparable. The stairs are stone and then switch to wider wooden ones around the half-way mark. There's also a sort of gallery somewhere in the middle that has a poster of the windows as well as depictions of how Zurich city grew (see my pics for these). I also don't think a lot of people climb the tower or I was just remarkably lucky as when I got to the top there were only 5 other people there and so didn't have to fight to take photos of the views. There is one particular view that lets you spy on the rooftop gardens and swimming pools of the surrounding houses and I enjoyed checking that out (hopefully stating that doesn't make me come across like a perv!) Final recommendation - Go and climb!

The Grossmunster is a very pretty church in the middle of Zurich. It's free to go inside but it cost' something to climb to the top, which I didn't do. But it is a pretty church.

My husband and i made it a point to go and see this very old church during our layover in Zurich. It's absolutely stunning with it's twin towers. Definitely a must when going to Zurich You are not allowed to take pictures inside, which is a shame, because it's beautiful on the inside.

It probably isn't fair on this cathedral that I've been to some of the most ornate and fabulous cathedrals, churches, mosques and abbeys around the world. Unfortunately this must have been constructed during one of the periods where it just wasn't the done thing to have the interior filled out with ornate sculptures and works. While in some cases simplicity is better, this does rather limit what there is for the tourist to see - there is the tower climb for those inclined, but I'm not a big fan of heights at the best of times so those sorts of excursions aren't for me. All in all, it was fine and the nativity was nice, plus there was a little range of postcards etc to buy but simply put there isn't a great deal to see inside for the average tourist. It is however much prettier on the outside and the window work is very interesting and unique.

Well, the door is really nice. And I'm sure if you can be bothered to climb up the tower to see the view it's good but all in all, as it says on the 2 star review, I've experienced better. To be honest, the building is better from the outside than inside. It's spartan but not in a neat charming way. There wasn't even a proper alter or cross. It was just all a bit wrong for me. Plus they were really big on the 'no photos' inside thing - loads and loads of signs. I don't know what I would even have taken a photo of, anyway. Perhaps I'm spoiled because I basically go into every church I go past when I travel, but this is definitely not one of my favourites from the inside.

The cathedral with twin towers. The history of its construction is incredible. It's almost a thousand years old. It is the signature church of Zurich.

Check out the new Agate Windows in the back, in the tradition of glass stained windows but made with real translucent stone! Beautiful! Check out the Concert-Schedule and varying Music Meditations every 2nd Thursday Night of the month :-)

Ancient medieval church which dominates the centre of Zurich. While its not beautiful it does have some ancient paintings on the walls and the windows are unusual.there are also some ancient manuscripts and bibles on display. While its free to enter the lower part it is 4chf to see the views high up on the tower.

Amazing Stained Glass - We stumbled upon the Grossmuenster walking through the Altstadt of Zurich. What's really unique about this church is the different stained glass in every window. As mentioned in other reviews, there are cards available in different languages to take with you as you walk around the church to study and admire it. The trip to the top is a treat. What a great view of the surrounding city. In our one day stop in Zurich, this was a must see.

Attractive on the outside but fairly sparse on the inside. The main point of interest is the modern looking stain glass windows, but photos are not allowed. Overall didn't spend long. Not a must see but there is no charge to visit.

One of the central sights in Zurich. Beautiful view from the towers when the weather is nice.