Grossmünster

The Grossmünster, in Zürich, Switzerland, is a Protestant church built in Romanesque style. It is one of the town’s four main churches.

According to legend, Charlemagne discovered the tombs of the patron saints Felix and Regula in the city, and on the spot had a church built as a monastery. The legend conveniently support the narrative of a seniority claim over the Fraumünster church, which was founded by Charlemagne’s grandson, Louis the German. Nonetheless, recent archaeological evidence confirms the presence of a Roman burial ground at the site.

Quick facts

• Name: Grossmünster
• Location: Zürich, Switzerland
• Built From 1100 to 1220
• Type of attraction: Architectural/Church
• Ticket price: Free

The Grossmünster Church was the starting point of the Swiss-German Reformation led by Huldrych Zwingli and Heinrich Bullinger in the first half of the 16th Century. The theological college which was then added to the monastery is now Zürich University.

Sigmar Polke’s stained glass windows, the Romanesque crypt, Augusto Giacometti’s choral windows, Otto Münch’s bronze doors and the Reformation Museum cloister are just a few of many highlights of this church, which is the top attraction in Zurich.

Interesting facts about Grossmünster

• Thanks to Grossmünster and rival Fraumünster Church, Zurich became place of pilgrimage during medieval times.
• Grossmünster was built on Carolingian building of existing Carolingian building from 9th century.
• Current simplicity in the interiors of the church is a result of Zwingli’s Reformation activities and removal of many artifact in 16th century.

Read more: Interesting facts about Grossmünster

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