Zurich Old Town (Altstadt): Churches, Guildhalls & History

Zurich's Altstadt (Old Town) spans both banks of the Limmat River — a remarkably well-preserved medieval quarter of guild houses, Romanesque churches, narrow cobbled lanes and the twin Grossmünster towers that define the city's skyline. It's compact enough to walk in a morning and rich enough to occupy a full day.

Must-See in the Altstadt

• Grossmünster — the twin-towered Romanesque church where Ulrich Zwingli launched the Swiss Reformation in 1519. Climb the Karlsturm for panoramic city views (CHF5). Don't miss the Giacometti stained-glass windows in the crypt.
• Fraumünster — renowned for its extraordinary Marc Chagall stained-glass windows (1970) — five lancet windows in vivid blue, green and red. One of the great 20th-century art installations in any church in Europe. Entry CHF5.
• Lindenhügel — the hill above the old town with the Lindenhof square, site of the original Roman fort, offering views across the Limmat to the guildhalls of Niederdorf.

Niederdorf

The east-bank old town district — pedestrianised lanes of independent cafés, bookshops, jazz bars and the weekly Saturday market on Helvetiaplatz. The most characterful area for wandering without a plan.