The Romanesque minster where Huldrych Zwingli began the Swiss Reformation in 1519, its twin towers the emblem of Zürich.
Tradition holds that Charlemagne founded the Grossmünster over the graves of Felix and Regula, the city's martyr patrons, but the present church was built between about 1100 and 1220. In 1519 Huldrych Zwingli became people's priest here and preached directly from the Bible, challenging the Catholic order. The city council adopted reforms in 1523-1525, images were removed, and the Grossmünster became the mother church of the Swiss Reformed tradition. Heinrich Bullinger succeeded Zwingli after his death in 1531. A theological school founded at the church grew into the University of Zürich. The twin towers received their domes in the 19th century, and in 2009 windows by Sigmar Polke were installed. The cloister, crypt with the copy of the Charlemagne statue, and the tower offer different perspectives.
| Admission | Church free; tower approx. CHF 5 (approx $6.25) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Church approx. daily 10AM-6PM Mar-Oct, 10AM-5PM Nov-Feb; towers similar |
| Address | Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Why it matters
Mother church of the Swiss Reformation and the emblem of the city.
Location
Grossmünsterplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3701, 8.5439 View on map
Highlights
- Twin towers visible across the city
- Zwingli's pulpit legacy and the Reformation story
- Romanesque cloister and crypt
- Polke's modern windows
Tips for visiting
- Buy tower tickets at the church shop
- Visit the Swiss National Museum afterwards for more on the Reformation
- Visit early to avoid group tours
When to visit
Weekday morning for the quietest interior.
Accessibility
The nave has ramp access; tower and crypt involve stairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Who founded the Grossmünster?
Legend names Charlemagne, but the existing church dates from about 1100-1220 and is the setting for Zwingli's Reformation.
Can visitors climb the tower?
Yes, for a small fee, with around 187 steps and no lift.