We continue on the collection of the most important architecture monuments of Zurich: Swiss National Museum, Grossmunster, St. Peter Church, Helmhaus, Chinese Garden, and Rathaus. Perhaps, all of them also define the look of Switzerland in general. The 3D models of landmarks, presented in our Zurich flyover video, will help you to get a grasp on the true architectural and historical heritage of this place. We hope that photographs and historical facts will give you a better impression on each of these monuments. This information is also useful when making up your own excursion tour through Zurich.
Swiss National Museum, Zurich
Location on the map: 
Facts:
» The Swiss National Museum was built in 1898. Architect Gustav Gull combined architectural elements of different eras in his project, and the building turned into a fairytale castle with numerous turrets and courtyards. 
Facts:» The museum has exhibits from ancient times to the present day in its collection. Some exhibits date from the 6th millennium BC.
» Visitors are told about how this unique country was formed, about the country’s most famous historical figures, about the creation of the Swiss watch industry and the famous Swiss chocolate, about the creation of ski resorts and famous people – immigrants who lived in Switzerland over the years.
» In 2009, an additional wing was erected from the side of the park near the main museum building. The new grounds (2,200 square metres) have been used for various projects of the national museum. There are seven branches of the museum in the country.
» Several hundred thousand tourists visit the museum exhibitions annually.
Grossmunster, Zurich
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Grossmünster is the largest and most important church in Zurich. The construction of the cathedral began in 1090, but it was built very slowly. It was fully completed only in the 15th century. Facts:» There’s a legend about the Grossmünster that says the construction of the church on this site was commissioned by Charles the Great, when his horse suddenly knelt at the burial place of holy martyrs Felix and Regula. But official historians do not support this legend.
» Nevertheless, the main facade of the church has a stone sculpture of Charles the Great made by ancient masters. In 1935, the sculpture of the king was transferred to the crypt, where it has been stored since, and its place on the facade was taken by a copy.
» The church windows are decorated with wonderful stained-glass windows made by Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti.
» The church towers have steep spiral staircases consisting of 187 steps, using which anyone can climb to a height of 62 metres and view the panorama of the city.
» On Wednesdays, the church organizes organ concerts for music aficionados.
St. Peter Church, Zurich
Location on the map: Facts:
» St. Peter’s Church is considered the oldest in the city. According to archival data, the first St Peter’s church was built in 857. It was less than 10 metres high. Facts:» Then the next temple was built here in 1000. In 1230, a third church was erected here instead of the previous ones.
» The tower next to the temple was used as a fire tower until 1911. And it still belongs to the city.
» The tower is interesting because of its huge dials – 9 metres in diameter and a 4-metre minute hand – installed with the help of hundreds of workers in 1538. The clock still counts the time with great accuracy. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest clock in Europe.
» Inside, there are choirs of the 12th century, fragments of frescoes of the 13-15th centuries, a font of the 16th century.
» St. Peter's Church is the burial place of Rudolf Brun, the first Zurich mayor (buried in 1360), pastor Leo Jud, Ulrich Zwingli’s friend and colleague, who was the first to translate the Bible into Swiss German.
Helmhaus, Zurich
Location on the map: Facts:
» In ancient times, in the 10th century, the Water Church used to stand on a small island in the middle of the Limmat River. The Romans performed pagan rites at this place. The cult stone, stored in the crypt of the church, testifies to the fact. Facts:» The temple was rebuilt several times, the last reconstruction took place in 1486.
» During the Reformation, the church was transferred to the city authorities. And the city’s first public library was opened there, which had been there until 1917.
» After that, the building served as a granary for some time. Only after 1940, having carried out archaeological excavations and restoration there, the church building was returned to the evangelical church.
Chinese Garden, Zurich
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Chinese Garden on the shore of Lake Zürich oozes the spirit of medieval China and the picturesque charm of the Asian landscape. Facts:» Kunming and Zurich are sister cities. In honor of the friendship, designers recreated a house of a wealthy family the way it was hundreds of years ago. The park area is arranged in the eastern style and obeys the laws of logic.
» The green space is protected from the outer world by low walls, which creates a closed microworld within the fenced area. The massive gate swings open, and the visitor enters a realm of harmony between the elements of earth, water, and air.
» The entrance door is finished with red and gold ornaments. Calligraphic letters denote the name of the garden. A little stream murmurs. An elegant bridge is placed over it.
» Paths strewn with pebbles lead to a pond with gold and red fish. The artificial lake is inhabited by ducks. According to Eastern tradition, a hill serving as a place for seclusion rises in the centre.
» There are lots of intricate pagodas arranged around the park. Some openwork pavilions that look like small mazes serve as an amusement for children. The symbols of the park are pine, bamboo, and Chinese plum (prunus mume) – the Three Friends of Winter who are not afraid of severe frost.
Rathaus, Zurich
Location on the map: Facts:
» The town hall was built between 1694 and 1698 right in the river. It stands on massive wooden logs hammered right into the bottom of the river. Facts:» The building is made of stones and is very well preserved. The interior of the town hall has also been well preserved: antique furniture, crystal wrought chandeliers, old handmade carpets, a ceramic stove standing in the meeting room. Rich luxurious interiors of the building resemble those of a palace.
» The town hall has always been the headquarters of administrative authorities.
» Historical documents on the foundation of Zurich and the events that were happening in the city are stored here.
» Nowadays, the Town Hall building is used for receptions and conferences.
