The Fraumünster’s (Church of Our Lady) prominent blue spire makes this church one of the most recognizable and photographed features on Zürich’s skyline. Step inside and you’ll discover Gothic and Romanesque interiors, stained-glass windows by the famed artist Marc Chagall and a history that retraces the story of Zürich’s religious past.
The first thing you will see as you approach the Fraumünster is the iconic clock tower and its elegant blue spire. Enter the church and see the wide Gothic nave and the largest organ in Zurich consisting of 5,793 pipes. The elegant Romanesque choir is notable for its 59-foot (18-metre) height and the steep arch of the transept. Step into the transept and admire the glass window by Giacometti. This window depicts the Four Evangelists, God, the Eight Prophets and Christ.
Besides its iconic blue spire, the church is also famed for its five stained-glass windows created by artist Marc Chagall. At 33-feet (10-metres) high, they illustrate in Chagall’s inimitable dreamy style the stories of the Prophets, Jacob, Christ, Zion and Law. Each has its own symbolic colour palate. Green and blue represent the earth, and red and yellow signify the heavens.
Retrace Zurich’s past by exploring the history of the building. While the current church dates back to 1250, the original Fraumünster was built in A.D. 853 as a Benedictine convent for female members of the European aristocracy. During the Reformation the convent was closed the last abbess converted to Protestantism and many of the religious icons and images were destroyed.
Admission to the Fraumünster is free. It is advised to check ahead for opening times as they can vary. The church overlooks Münsterhof square and is located on the left bank of the Limmat River on Fraumünsterstrasse. To get there, catch a tram to City Hall or take a 2-minute walk from the Paradeplatz.
