Old Town (Altstadt)
Zürich
Altstadt, the Old Town of Zürich, encompasses the historic core of the city as it existed before 1893, today corresponding to District 1 (Kreis 1). It is divided into four quarters: Lindenhof, Rathaus, Hochschulen, and City, situated on both sides of the Limmat River. Lindenhof, the oldest part, sits on a hill that was once a Roman castle and Celtic oppidum, with archaeological remains dating back to pre-Roman times. The quarter houses notable sites such as the Zunfthaus zur Meisen with its porcelain collection and the former Augustinian abbey. On the right bank, the Rathaus quarter includes the historical town hall built in the 1690s and lively areas like Niederdorf, known for its shops and restaurants. The Limmatquai, built in the 19th century along the river, features several guild houses and was a key route through the Old Town. The area is rich in medieval architecture, churches like St. Peter with Europe's largest clock face, Fraumünster abbey with its influential history, and Grossmünster, the starting point of the Zürich Reformation. Altstadt blends ancient Roman roots, medieval heritage, and vibrant modern culture, making it a unique destination to explore Zürich's history and urban life.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Zürich's Old Town is during spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and the streets are lively but not overcrowded. Consider purchasing tickets in advance for museums or special exhibitions housed in historic buildings like the Zunfthaus zur Meisen. Walking tours are highly recommended to fully appreciate the intricate medieval streets and landmarks. Public transport along Limmatquai is convenient, but note that parts of the Old Town are pedestrian-only zones. Visitors can benefit from city tourist cards offering discounts on museums and public transport.
Faits intéressants
- •The Lindenhof hill was the site of a Roman castle and a Celtic oppidum, reflecting Zürich's ancient origins.
- •St. Peter's church in Altstadt features the largest clock face in Europe.
- •The Fraumünster abbey was politically influential until the 1336 guild revolution and played a key role during the Reformation.
- •The Limmatquai was constructed in the 19th century, shifting the riverbank westward from its medieval position.
- •The Rathaus (town hall) was originally built on an island in the Limmat River and hosts both cantonal and city legislative meetings.
Histoire
Altstadt represents the original city of Zürich before its expansion in 1893 and subsequent incorporation of surrounding districts.
The Lindenhof quarter preserves traces of pre-Roman Celtic settlements and the Roman vicus Turicum, including a Roman castle site.
During the medieval period, the city was divided into the lesser (mindere Stadt) and greater town (mehrere Stadt) on opposite sides of the Limmat.
The Rathaus quarter developed around the town hall built in the late 17th century.
Over centuries, the Old Town evolved from a fortified medieval city to a vibrant urban center, with significant religious and political influence, especially during the Reformation initiated at Grossmünster.
The 19th century saw developments like the construction of the Limmatquai and the removal of old city walls to accommodate modern infrastructure.
Guide du lieu
Lindenhof HillPre-Roman times to 13th century
The oldest core of Zürich, featuring archaeological remains from Celtic and Roman times, including the site of a Roman castle and the Carolingian fortifications. The hill offers panoramic views of the Old Town and the Limmat River.
Fraumünster AbbeyFounded in the 9th century
A former women's abbey that ruled Zürich until the 1336 guild revolution. It is renowned for its medieval architecture and stained glass windows, and its abbess was considered an unofficial princess of the city.
Rathaus (Town Hall)1690s
Built in the 1690s on the right bank of the Limmat, the Rathaus is the seat of Zürich's cantonal and city councils. It marks the historical 'greater town' side of the medieval city and is adjacent to lively quarters such as Niederdorf.
Limmatquai1823–1859
A 19th-century riverbank promenade along the right side of the Limmat, connecting several guild houses and serving as a major thoroughfare before becoming pedestrianized. It includes historic guild houses like Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten and Zunfthaus zum Rüden.
St. Peter's ChurchMedieval origins, tower clock installed in 16th century
The parish church of medieval Zürich, notable for its clock tower with the largest clock face in Europe. The tower was historically home to a night watchman until 1911.