Grossmunster, Zurich is a historic church of the city situated on the bank of river Limmat at close proximity to Zurichsee, Burkliplatz, Bahnhofstrasse and Fraumunster. According to legends, this Gothic and Romanesque cathedral was established by Charlemagne. Charlemagne's horse is said to have bowed at this site, which housed the graves belonging to three Christian martyrs.
The construction of Grossmunster, Zurich, started in 1090. However, the construction continued up to the 14th century. Featuring two three-storey pillars, the cathedral has stained-glass windows. One can come across the statue of Charlemagne, which was built in the 15th century, in the crypt. An identical statue of Charlemagne is present on the southern pillar of the church.
Grossmunster in Zurich is consecrated to Regula, Exuperantius and Felix, patron saints of the city. The inhabitants of the city (erstwhile Turicum) embraced Christianity under the influence of these saints, who were plunged into boiling oil under the instructions of the governor. They were also made to drink molten lead. Subsequently, they were beheaded when they refused to give up their faith. These three saints are known to have picked their decapitated head and carry it to the top of the hill, where they dug graves and then buried themselves in them. The corpses of these patron saints are known to be housed in the cathedral. It is noteworthy that Grossmunster at Zurich, one of the Zurich attractions, had been the parish church belonging to Huldrych Zwingli, who was among the distinguished leaders of the Reformation movement.
From 15th March to 31st October, Grossmunter of Zurich remains open from Monday to Saturday between 0900 hours and 1800 hours. The cathedral remains in operation from 1000 hours to 1700 hours between 1st November and 14th March. On Sundays, Grossmunster Zurich opens for viewing after the church service.
