Switzerland is famed for its picturesque snow-capped mountains and crystal lakes, as well as for its fascinating history that spans Roman invasion to medieval counts to Reformation.
Bern’s clock tower is one of the country’s most well-known landmarks, drawing crowds with its massive west and east clock faces as well as an astronomical calendar that makes for a compelling attraction.
1. Grossmunster
Grossmunster in Zurich is one of Switzerland’s premier historical sites, housing an exquisite Romanesque church built over the graves of their patron saints Felix and Regula – two notable historical figures associated with Zurich. Charlemagne himself founded this church many centuries ago!
Huldrych Zwingli was a central figure of the Reformation movement, making this church an important Protestant landmark and popular tourist attraction in Switzerland. Today it serves as both a landmark and tourist attraction.
The Lion Monument in Lucerne is an iconic memorial that commemorates the Swiss Guard who gave their lives protecting Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution. This powerful reminder stands as testament to Switzerland’s longstanding history of courage.
2. Chateau de Prangins
Chateau de Prangins near Nyon serves as the headquarters for the Swiss National Museum for French-speaking Switzerland and was once home to notable figures such as Voltaire and Joseph Bonaparte. Now it features one of the country’s largest historical vegetable gardens featuring traditional layouts planted with fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, medicinal and condiment plants from 18th century gardens.
Lion Monument of Lucerne is an iconic stone carving depicting a dying lion with spear and shield etched with names of French Revolution soldiers killed during 1792, conveying bravery and national anguish like no other sculpture can. Other highlights include “Noblesse Oblige! Life at a Chateau in the 18th Century,” housed within former reception rooms, salons, and dining rooms of a castle.
3. National Museum Zurich
This National Museum in Switzerland is one of the country’s premier historical and cultural institutions, representing its heritage from prehistory through today. Its exhibition includes articles and items relevant to Swiss culture from its inception until now – from earthenware shards dating back over 15,000 years, up until modern Christmas decorations!
For any tourist visiting Switzerland, the Swiss Museum is an essential stop. It provides a vivid portrayal of how Switzerland used to be and highlights its vibrant culture and heritage today. According to past visitors, downloading their free English audio guide from Google Play or Apple App Store will give them the best understanding of this place.
The National Museum is well known for showcasing an abundance of ancient artifacts, Gothic costumes and superior furniture from multiple periods.
4. Reformation Monument
The Reformation Monument, also known as Geneva Wall, was constructed in 1909 to mark Protestant Reformation that occurred during the 16th century. This memorial includes a 100-meter wall and four towering statues representing its key leaders – Jean Calvin, Theodore de Beze, Guillaume Farel and John Knox among them – while its inscription reads ‘post tenebras lux’ – Geneva’s motto at that time.
Ernst Rietschel designed this breathtaking sculpture, but only completed two of the statues before his death. His students finished off the others as part of this monument that symbolizes Switzerland’s religious freedom around the globe. A must see landmark, it makes Geneva truly memorable!
5. Benedictine Monastery
Einsiedeln’s Benedictine Monastery offers visitors an invaluable glimpse into Swiss Christianity’s rich history. Here you’ll hear monks sing psalms, study Bible passages and catechism, cultivate food in their monastery garden (including Swiss chard and other vegetables ), study the Scripture and catechism as well as study their ‘ora et labora’ rule for working the land – often known as praying while working.
The Lion Monument in Lucerne is an immense dying lion sculpted out of sandstone rock wall at the old town’s east end, situated over a pond. This statue pays tribute to Swiss mercenaries who sacrificed themselves defending King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution of 1792; Mark Twain described this monument as being “one of the saddest and most moving pieces of stone in existence”.
Switzerland is home to many historical landmarks worth seeing. If you plan on traveling there soon, make sure these spots are on your itinerary!
