Grossmünster church in Zurich is among the three principal churches, which played significant role in the history of Protestant Reformation Movement. The church is an example of perfect blending of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. According to a popular legend, Emperor Charlemagne founded the Grossmünster Church, when his horse knelt down on the site and marked the tombs of three earliest Christian martyrs. The church is also known as Zurich Cathedral or Great Minister.
Grossmünster Church in Zurich
Construction of the Grossmünster parish church in Zurich commenced in 1090 and took about a hundred years to complete. After the erection was more or less over in around 1230, the church was dedicated to the three patron saints of Zurich, Exuperantius, Felix and Regula.
Grossmünster Church Attractions
Apart from the architectural beauties of the Grossmünster Cathedral in Zurich, the tourists may enjoy the reformation museum located in the cloister of the church. The theological school of the University of Zurich is situated in the extension of the church cloister. Though the church interiors are almost desolated, the appeal of this age-old parish church lies in its simple yet unique architectural features and its association with the rich cultural and historical pasts
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of Zurich.
Architectural Details of Grossmünster Church
The fundamental architectural style of the Grossmünster Cathedral in Zurich is unique. The structure is Romanesque in nature, featuring a massive arched entrance and medieval pillars with fine arts inscribed on them. There is also a 12th century Romanesque sepulcher, which adds to the beauty of the church. The twin towers form a distinctive architectural feature of the church. The towers have two elevated wooden spires constructed during the 1400s. However, the original structure of the church was demolished in the 1970s by a fire. The newly-erected church building has owed immense accolades due to its tinted glass casements, created in the 1930s by Augusto Giacometti, the famous Swiss artist. The decorative bronze doors found in the northern and southern parts of the church are among the few architectural additions of the church. These doors were erected by Otto Münch.
The Grossmünster is also considered to be one of the major tourist attractions of Zurich. The cathedral is open for general public from 15th March to October from 9am to 6pm throughout the week. From November to 14th March the opening hour changes from 10 am to 4pm daily. The cathedral tower is open for public viewing daily through March and October depending on the weather condition.
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