Switzerland boasts an enviable history of courage and fearlessness that resonates throughout Central Europe, making it a must-visit location for history buffs.
Chapel Bridge is an exquisite covered wooden footbridge featuring an old gun and divider clock at its location.
Anna Goldi met her end on these grounds. This site is the most frequently visited historic landmark in Switzerland.
1. Lion of Lucerne
As known to many, the Lion Monument is an inspiring historic place that captures bravery in stone. Conceived as a memorial to those Swiss guards who died during the French Revolution, its sculpture depicts an elegant dying lion with spear in mouth as a sign of bravery that stirs emotion for all those who visit it.
Bertel Thorvaldsen designed and Lukas Ahorn carved the Lion from 1820-1821. While traditionally, lions symbolize power, Thorvaldsen wanted to change that perception by emphasizing Swiss soldiers’ bravery instead. Thus the Lion lies sprawled on its back with spear in mouth in a powerful display of agony which left audiences transfixed.
2. Grossmunster
Grossmunster with its twin towers is unquestionably Zurich’s most prominent landmark. This church was the hub for fiery preacher Huldrych Zwingli to launch the Protestant Reformation during the 16th century and advocated religious freedom while encouraging priests to marry (he himself did), attacking idolatry and denouncing Mass; dissolving monasteries, confiscating property and taking down most statues and decorations from churches such as this one as well.
Zwingli’s Reformation brought with it an austere simplicity that is testament to his lasting imprint on Swiss culture. The Reformation Museum can be found within its cloister while medieval columns with grotesques decorating their capitals can be seen in its portal and crypt which date back between 11th and 13th century.
3. St. Pierre Cathedral
Geneva Cathedral was completed during the 12th century before becoming Protestant during the Reformation. Best-known as John Calvin’s adopted home, Geneva cathedral has played an instrumental part in shaping Protestantism today.
Visitors to the cathedral can admire his triangular stool in the north aisle and explore its archaeological site, featuring 4th century mosaic floors, monk’s cells and an Allobrogian tomb. Additionally, every day from June to September visitors can attend a free carillon and organ concert hosted by this venue.
Color-coded systems help identify different eras of construction. Towers offer stunning city views; one tower offers access via 96-step spiral staircase while 60-step staircase is provided for southern tower.
4. Chateau de Prangins
Prangins Palace was home to Voltaire and Joseph Bonaparte during their time living near Lake Geneva, before it became one of Switzerland’s oldest historical vegetable gardens. Today it serves as the headquarters for Swiss National Museum in French-speaking Switzerland and also boasts one of its grandest historic vegetable gardens.
Initialy, this estate was part of a medieval fortress which was burnt by Bernese forces in 1536 and rebuilt as a stately residence. Later purchased by Louis Guiguer, a banker who transformed it further during his ownership period between 1730-1740.
The estate now functions as a museum that showcases eighteenth-century Swiss history, featuring coins, coaches and furniture collections as well as one of the country’s largest historical vegetable gardens. Additionally, it boasts a beautiful romantic park as well.
5. Avenches
History enthusiasts should visit one of Switzerland’s premier historic places – Glarus is among them, featuring ancient sacrificial grounds where people sacrificed themselves due to superstitions back then. Furthermore, a museum near Glarus dedicated to Anna Goldi who was executed for witchcraft has recently opened.
Avenches stands tall among the towns surrounding Lake Morat with its rich Roman legacy and intact amphitheatre, both being hallmarks of Roman rule in Helvetia.
Archaeological discoveries made here offer new insight into the Gallic tribes that lived here after Roman conquest of Switzerland, serving as an ancestor to today’s French-speaking Swiss. Avenches is also home to an impressive medieval city featuring central streets, arcades and irregular stairs; reflecting this culture.
