Fraumünster Zurich

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Travel Tips

Entrance fee of CHF 5 for tourists. 1

Admission is 5 CHF. Don't miss the vibrant stained glass panels. 2

Use the audio guide included with the entry fee for a comprehensive experience. 3

Entry fee includes an audio guide; cash only for tickets. 4

Visit in the morning hours for the best light. Worship entry is free, bypassing the tourist entrance. 5

Don't miss the stained glass windows inside, created by Marc Chagall. 6

Visit the crypt to see frescos of the church's founding women. 7

Although not entered during the tour, it's a must-visit for art lovers. 8

Introduction

History

📜 Founded: Established in 853 by King Louis the German for his daughter Hildegard.
👑 Royal Patronage: Enjoyed the patronage of kings and had the right to mint coins until the 13th century.
🏰 Convent: Initially a convent for aristocratic women, it became a significant religious and political center.
⚔️ Reformation: Ownership transferred to the city of Zurich after the Reformation in 1524.
🔥 Destruction: Monastery buildings were destroyed in 1898 to make room for the new Stadthaus.

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Stained Glass Windows

🎨 Marc Chagall: Created five-part stained-glass windows and a rosette in the chancel in the 1970s.
🌈 Colors: Each window has a dominant color and depicts a Biblical story.
🕊️ Themes: Includes Prophets, Jacob, Christ, Zion, and Law.
🖼️ Augusto Giacometti: Designed the 9m tall stained glass in the North transept in 1940.
🌟 Masterpieces: These windows are considered world-famous masterpieces.

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Admission and Opening Hours

💶 Admission Fee: CHF 5 for adults, free for children under 16 and students.
🕰️ March to October: Monday to Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm.
🕰️ November to February: Monday to Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm.
⏳ Last Entry: 15 minutes before closing time.
📅 Special Hours: Check for extraordinary opening hours on specific dates.

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Location and Accessibility

📍 Address: Stadthausquai 19, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland.
🚶 From Zürich Main Station: 917 meters, approximately 9 minutes walk.
✈️ From Zürich Airport: 9.3 km, approximately 26 minutes by car.
🚋 Public Transport: Accessible via tram numbers 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 to Paradeplatz or tram 15 and 4 to Helmhaus.
🚗 Car Access: Permitted between 5 am and 12 pm, parking available with a permit.

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Architectural Features

🏛️ Romanesque Chancel: One of the key architectural highlights.
🏰 High Vaulted Transept: Adds to the grandeur of the church.
🔨 Renovation: The nave was last renovated in 1911.
🖼️ Cloister Frescos: Features a series of frescos by Paul Bodmer.
🏛️ Gothic Elements: The church has undergone various architectural changes over centuries.

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Organ

🎵 Largest Organ: The organ at Fraumünster is the largest in the canton of Zurich.
🎹 Number of Pipes: It boasts 6,959 pipes.
🎶 Concerts: The church hosts organ music on some mornings and various concerts in the evenings.
🎼 Acoustics: Known for its excellent acoustics, making it a popular venue for music events.
🎵 Historical Significance: The organ adds to the rich musical heritage of the church.

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Visitor Tips

📸 No Photography: Taking photos inside the church is prohibited.
🛍️ Gift Shop: A small shop sells postcards and other items depicting the famous windows.
🕊️ Quiet Contemplation: The church is open free of charge for those seeking a moment of reflection.
🎧 Audio Guides: Available in multiple languages including German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese.
🎟️ Combined Tickets: Discounted combined admission available for Fraumünster and Grossmünster.

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