The late-Renaissance and early-baroque town hall on the Limmat, seat of the cantonal parliament.
The Rathaus was built between 1694 and 1698 to replace a medieval council house and sits directly over the Limmat on wooden piles. It is a late Renaissance and early baroque building with a stone facade and a council hall decorated with wood panelling. It remains the meeting place of the Cantonal Council of Zürich. The building lies on Limmatquai, across from the Rathausbrücke and the Lindenhof, and is part of the old-town skyline. Public access is limited to guided tours or open days, but the exterior can be seen at any time. Next door, the guild houses along the river are among the city's best-preserved.
| Admission | Free to view exterior; interior on guided tours |
|---|---|
| Hours | Exterior open at all times; interior by guided tour or open day |
| Address | Limmatquai 55, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland |
Why it matters
The seat of cantonal democracy in Zürich since the late 17th century.
Location
Limmatquai 55, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3714, 8.5437 View on map
Highlights
- Baroque facade on the Limmat
- Seat of the Zürich cantonal parliament
- Close to guild houses and the Lindenhof
- Centre of civic life since 1698
Tips for visiting
- View from Rathausbrücke
- Check open days on the city website
- Pair with Lindenhof
When to visit
Daytime for exterior photographs.
Accessibility
Exterior is accessible from the riverside promenade.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors go inside?
Interior access is limited to guided tours and special open days.
When was it built?
Between 1694 and 1698.