Zurich, well-known as a major financial centre, has a remarkable historical and artistic heritage set in beautiful natural scenery.
So here are five places not to miss in Zurich.
Don’t miss
The Altstadt
Zurich’s old town is situated on the banks of the River Limmat and with its picturesque streets, old shops, and squares, like little Niederdorf, it has captivated celebrities like Wagner and Joyce. The Petersrkirche bell tower, whose clock is the largest in Europe, dominates Altstadt.
The Church of Grossmünster
Legend has it, it was commissioned by Charlemagne, whose horse fell to its knees over the tombs of patron saints Felix and Regula. Inside, you can admire Polke’s beautiful stained-glass windows, the elegant windows by Giacometti and the gleaming bronze doors made in 1935 by Otto Munke.
The Kunsthaus Graz
A Museum of Art, the Kunsthaus Graz is one of the most important exhibition spaces in the city and is dedicated to ancient and modern art. Among the works by Chagall, Van Gogh, Miró and Warhol, the museum contains the largest collection of Munch paintings outside Norway.
Sechselautenplatz
It is one of the most beautiful squares in Zurich and one of the largest in Switzerland. From the benches overlooking Lake Zurich you can enjoy the spectacle of the fountains’ water games and the Art Nouveau beauty of the Opera House. In the spring, during a much-followed ceremony, an effigy in the form of Böögg the snowman is burned to say goodbye to the winter and usher the beautiful season in.
Lake Zurich
Don’t miss the opportunity to sail on the Morainic Lake Zurich to nearby towns such as Kilchberg, known for hosting one of Switzerland’s most famous chocolate factories. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake near one of the thirty beach resorts that dot the coast.
Travel Documents
Identity Card
An identity card valid for leaving the country allows entry into European Union countries. However, please note that there have been reports of difficulties in some countries with the recognition of renewed and stamped paper identity cards, as well as the refusal of electronic ID cards renewed with a certificate issued by the municipality.
Passport
An ordinary passport is valid for all countries whose governments are recognized by the Italian one, except for any legal restrictions, and can be obtained by all citizens of the Republic. A passport is issued (and renewed) by the police and abroad, by diplomatic and consular representatives. It is valid for 10 years, but in some cases provided for by current legislation, this validity may be shortened.
For more information, see www.poliziadistato.it
