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Things to Do in Zurich in Winter

Offering panoramic views of the steel grey mountains with their tips covered in snow at a distance, Lake Zurich is crowned as one of the biggest and most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Extending to the south east of the Zurich city, the lake is the creation of the river Linth which takes birth from Glarus Alps glaciers. Carved like a banana, the lake streams passing through the city are termed Limmat, the downstream at Seedamm is called Rapperswil whereas the upstream is called Obersee. Flanked by forested chain of hills on both the sides, Lake Zurich has Albis and Zimmerberg hills on its south and Pfannenstiel hills on its north. The gentle slopes of the banks of the lake are covered with fragrant vineyards and orchards to enhance its beauty several times. Edging the the largest city Zurich on its west, lake Zurich is a popular place for excursion in the present time. People from all around the world and the locals come here to unwind themselves and spend a day with peace. The gently rocking waves accompanied with laziness and fine food becomes a synonym for vacation in Zurich. The best thing you could do is to take a boat and explore the untarnished distant banks of the pristine lake.

Grossmünster, also means the great minister, is a beautiful 12th-century cathedral and is one of the most recognizable and distinguished landmarks of Zurich. Its emblematic twin towers touching skyline makes it a very famous site and attracts thousands of tourists each day.  The triple-aisled crypt is also the largest in Switzerland. Grossmünster holds a very important place in Protestant Christianity because of its role in the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland. It is one of the largest churches in Zurich along with St. Peterskirche, Predigerkirche, and Fraumünster. Stands true to its literal meaning in German as “large Cathedral”, Grossmünster has great architectural and historical significance.It is located at the Notre Dame cathedral on the banks of the Limmat River from the end of Zurich Lake, facing the other largest church in Zurich in the old town. It is totally possible and expected to get lost in the mind-blowing views around and exploring the city via electronic tuk tuk ride, going for a Swiss Chocolate walking tour or just walking by the riverside and waiting for the sunset to climb up to one of the church’s tower balcony and getting some super intagramic sunset photos. The Romanesque cathedral is as important historically as it is architecturally. The major incidents include the story of three beheaded saints - St Felix, St Regula, and St Exuperantius, how emperor Charlemagne found the tomb of the three martyr saints when visited Zurich on a hunting trip and Grossmünster and church Fraumünster’s rivalry, Protest Reformation and Architectural Modernity.As the famous story goes, the three saints St. Felix and St. Regula were brothers and with their servant Exuperantius were executed by Roman authority. They miraculously stood-up, picked their head in their hands and started walking. They walked around paces uphill, made their last prayer before lying down in death and they were buried at the exact place where they fell.Around 500 years later Emperor Charlemagne was near Zurich on a hunting trip and upon his arrival, his horse fell to its knees over the grave of the three patron saints of Zurich - St. Felix, St Regula and their servant Exuperantius. The emperor ordered the construction of the cathedral Grossmünster in around 1100 CE  at the same place honoring the martyr which has become the most famous and tourist place to visit in Zurich.Since then many significant renovations have been made to Grossmünster from time to time. One of the most important ones was to increase the height of the southern tower to the similar height of the northern tower in the 15th- century CE.The legendary Roman Emperor’s connection to the Grossmünster can be seen in both – a replacement relief, sitting on a throne with a sword and a gold crown on his brow, high up on the west wall. And, the original 15th – Century statue can be found now in the crypt beneath the church.During the medieval times, the rivalry between Grossmünster and church Fraumünster which is located on the other side of the Limmat River, over the control of the patron Saints’ relics and superiority over the other.And, eventually both the churches agreed to share the authority and started a grand public festive procession each year on September 11, which till today has been celebrated and declared a public holiday in Zurich.Ulrich Zwingli started working as a pastor at the Grossmünster around 1519 CE and this was the beginning of the Swiss protest reformation led by Zwingli and followed by many.  Zwingli, born in a farmer’s family was well educated and had great influence in his life and work by Dutch philosopher Erasmus. He supported that the holy scriptures must be read and interpreted in the native language by commerns and not to be bound and restricted. He also suggested that people must ideally live a life as per the Gospels by Jesus Christ. He also denounced the catholic mass, removed the swiss mercenaries and considered the forms of idolatry in catholic worship. And, It was in 1523 when with the support of the government, the Zurich’s monasteries were dissolved. Ulrich Zwingli's influence is notable in Grossmünster's architecture and interiors. Grossmünster had been majorly renovated to express the pure quiddity of the reformation in a physical form. However, with multiple refurbishments till the 19th-20th-century,  Grossmünster restored to its full splendor.

Cradled on the west banks of Limat, Fraumunster Church is one of the most renowned destinations in Zurich. Its close proximity to a pristine river flowing to Grossmunster further enhances its charm. A popular name among the history buffs, Fraumunster dates back its existence to the 9th century. Today, this building is also serving as a Parish church for one of the many reformed Parishes around the city. As you will usher into this space, you will be amused by its five stained glass windows which were constructed by Marc Chagall in the year 1960. Flaunting diverse colour themes, these are 10 meter high windows which look best in the early morning light. Another thing that sets this beautiful church apart from the rest of the churches in Zurich is its enticing cl+++ock tower topped by a blue spire.  There is a  small door near the spire which forms the main entrance of the church. Once you get to this place, either admire its architectural magnificence or offer your prayers to the Lord Christ. You can also delve deep into the ancient history of the church or soak in the surreal views of its surroundings. Fraumunster Church is constructed on the remains of the aristocratic abbey, built for the beloved daughter of Louis the German. With its intriguing history, unique architecture, and enticing location, the church has undoubtedly captivated the hearts of many travellers. So, if you are planning to visit here shortly, here is everything that you must know beforehand.