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Church spires are a feature of Zurich and the souring Fraumunster is the most delicate. The church was established in the 13th century on a site that had been a convent for noblewomen since 853. The present church, however, has been modernized. From the outside, the building looks fairly unassuming but once inside, the world-famous modernistic stained-glass windows by Russian-born Marc Chagall spring into life. Some of the other windows were designed by Augusto Giacometti. Protestant mass in German is held on Sunday morning. The church is open Monday to Saturday from 9am-6pm during May-September and after mass on Sunday. During other months, hours may be shorter and it has been known to close for lunch. Guided tours are available.
It is well worth a visit and the Romanesque choir is a perfect spot for meditation.
St Peter’s church is nearby. This is Zurich’s oldest parish church dating from the early 13th century. A church has been on this site since the 9th century. The present building’s claim to fame is the enormous clock face on the spire. It is claimed to be the largest in Europe. The building has been extensive changed over the years and you can see this in the architecture. The basement of the tower is the original Romanesque, but the tower was rebuilt and extended in 1534 when the clock was added and the nave was rebuilt in 1705.
There are services here on Sunday and the church has a tradition as a site for inexpensive classical concerts. The building is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 8am-6pm. While the interior is interesting, it is really the exterior that calls out for that photograph.
When in this area, take the time to visit Lindenhof. This is a delightful park on a hill where the settlement that is now Zurich began as a fortress that protected the Roman river crossing. There are excellent views of the old town on the other side of the River Limmat. Also close by is the famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most elegant and exclusive shopping streets. Even if you are not buying, many will be interested in the spectacular window displays.
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