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History & Culture |
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Romans were the first to fortify the area now known as Zurich, although there is evidence of settlement as far back as the Bronze Age. In the first century BC the Romans turned the Lindenhof into a customs post and named it Turicum. Even though growth was slow, textiles such as of silk and wool allowed Zurich''s Merchants to build up great wealth. In 1218 Zurich was given the status of a free city under the Holy Roman Empire. In 1336 the merchants and artisans of the city lead by burgomaster Rudolf Brun, managed to push the nobility out of power and gave the power instead, to workers guilds. In 1351 Zurich joined the Swiss Confederation and soon became known as a cultural and intellectual center.
Power and Prestige came when Zurich became the first Swiss city to adopt the reformation. Huldrych Zwingli, who was dubbed Zurich''s spiritual father, taught the reformation at the Grossmunster from 1519 until his death in 1531. In 1525 Catholic masses were eliminated which turned Zurich into a hub for nonconformists. The change from Zwinglian preaching''s to the Calvinist doctrine, in 1549 brought the city into a decline. Alfred Escher, as a city counselor, helped to make Zurich once again the economic capital of Switzerland, by improving the manufacturing industry, the banking industry, and even tourism through his innovative ideas. Zurich''s stock exchange was founded in 1877 and is still Switzerland''s most important stock exchange.
Switzerland was strictly neutral during both world wars and as a result Zurich managed to flourish after WWII. Zurich today has the 4th largest stock market in the world, behind, New York, London, and Tokyo and is also the leading market for gold and other precious metals. The city is run primarily by the Social Democrats though the guilds still remain influential.
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The City of Zurich |
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Zurich is located in an open valley at the end of Lake Zurich, and is bordered by Uetliberg Mountain to the west and the Zurichberg and Kaferberg Mountains to the east. There are two rivers in the city of Zurich, the Limmat and the Sihl, which flows into the Limmat.
Zurich is divided into 12 districts (Stadtkreis), which are situated clockwise around the city center and are numbered by the last digit of the postal code. These districts are divided into 34 neighborhoods (Quartiere). Each Stadtkreis has a separate government office, town hall and administration.
Below is a list of neighborhoods within each district.
Stadtkreis 1 - Lindenhof, Rathaus, Hochschulen, City Center
Stadtkreis 2 - Willishofen, Enge, Leimbach
Stadtkreis 3 - Friesenberg, Alt-Wiedikon, Sihlfeld
Stadtkreis 4 - Hard, Werd, Langstrasse
Stadtkreis 5 -Escher-Wyss, Gewerbe-Schule
Stadtkreis 6 - Oberstrasse, Unterstrass
Stadtkreis 7 - Hirslanden, Flutern, Hottingen, Witikon
Stadtkreis 8 - Seefeld, Muhlebach, Weinegg
Stadtkreis 9 - Altstetten, Albisrieden
Stadtkreis 10 - Hongg, Wipkingen
Stadtkreis 11 - Seebach, Affoltern, Oerlikon
Stadtkreis 12 - Hirzenbach, Schwamen-dingen Mitte, Saatlen
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Sightseeing |
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Before you head off on a tour of the Swiss cantons, be sure to view the magnificent sights in and around the city of Zurich. Simply strolling along the streets provides ample opportunity to admire period architecture, do be sure to check out the following landmarks in Zurich, but remember to bring your camera and a decent pair of walking shoes, you will certainly be glad you did!
Grossmunster - This 12th century cathedral offers architectural splendor and was the epicenter of the Reformation in the 1500''s.
Fraumunster - This 13th century cathedral in Zurich is remarkably intriguing and offers yet another great photo opportunity.
St-Peterskirche - This church offers splendid architecture and is best known for hosting Europe''s largest clock face.
Kunsthaus - The Museum of Fine Arts in Zurich has something to delight everyone. An array of paintings and sculptures, mostly 19th and 20th centuries, await.
Swiss National Museum - Experience the history of Switzerland through displays and models offered in a most unique chateau.
Zurich Zoo - This superb zoo offers more than 350 species from around the world and is sure to delight and fascinate animal lovers of all ages.
Botanical Garden - The University of Zurich''s gardens span acres and offers a variety of plants from around the world.
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Food & Drink |
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Zurich''s prime location on the Zürichsee has much influence on the cuisine offered in the city. A remarkable mix of tradition and innovation, land and sea, produce the fine authentic culinary treats found in Zurich. For authentic cuisine while traveling in Zurich, do be sure to try:
Baur Au Lac Rive Gauche - Talstrasse 1, the cuisine is a mix of light Asian and European with a Mediterranean ambience that draws many businesspeople.
Bierhalle Kropf - In Gassen 16, Swiss cuisine that attracts shoppers as well as businesspeople to taste the delicious Leberknodli, potato croquettes and apfelkuechli.
Blu - Seestrasse 457, beautiful scenery with lake views from the dining room and delicious Italian cuisine are what bring people to this restaurant.
Hitl Vegi - Sihlstrasse 28, Great vegetarian cuisine with a Indian buffet at night along with a full menu.
Kronenhalle - Ramistrasse 4, a beloved landmark serving large portions or Swiss cuisine and donning an astonishing 20th century art collection.
Les Halles - Set in an old warehouse filled with antiques, which are for sale, you will find a health conscious fare with a Mediterranean approach.
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