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Global Affairs

Explore Zurich

The city of Zurich – History

Both the city of Zurich and UZH look back on a long and rich history. Turicum, the Latin name for Zurich, was first mentioned in the late second century and connected to a Roman military base on the Lindenhof. The city grew significantly during the 12th century, thanks to a first economic upturn, and the first parliament was mentioned in the 13th century, around the same time the city walls were erected.

 

Zurich gained international significance during the religious Reformation: Ulrich Zwingli, who then worked as a priest at the Grossmünster, was the leader of the Reformation in Switzerland. However, the city as we know it today only started to form in the 19th century, when another economic upturn heralded a new era of wealth, both economic and cultural.  During this time in 1833, UZH was officially founded.

Today, a little over 420,000 people live in Zurich, which has gained renown as a diverse city thanks to its cosmopolitan and international population. Although the official language is German, or rather, Swiss German, many people also speak English. The city boasts a lively cultural scene and is home to some of the biggest financial institutions in the country. What may sound like a contrast adds to the city’s richness, in more ways than one.

Dive deeper into facts and figures about Zurich.

Visit the Kunsthaus

Zwingli
Kunsthaus Zürich, collection Bührle, Photo: Franca Candrian, Kunsthaus Zürich

The Kunsthaus Zürich is a renowned art museum located in Zurich. It houses an extensive collection of artworks, ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces. The museum is particularly celebrated for its impressive holdings of Swiss art, as well as its significant collections of European art. The Kunsthaus features works by many prominent artists, including Swiss masters like Ferdinand Hodler and Alberto Giacometti, as well as international figures such as Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, and Claude Monet. The museum's diverse exhibitions and comprehensive collections make it a cultural hub and a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts visiting Zurich.

The private guided tour "Highlights Tour Chipperfield building" will take Una Europa General Assembly delegates through the newly opened extension designed by David Chipperfield to view highlights from the Kunsthaus Collection and the private Bührle, Merzbacher and Looser collections. Here, you will find masterpieces of Impressionism and early modernism, Fauvism and Expressionism, American art and international contemporary art.

Note: This is part of the Social Program designed for Una Europa General Assembly delegates. To participate, you need to register through the Una Europa General Assembly registration form by 19 April 2024. Please note that participant numbers are limited. 

Participate in a guided tour of Zurich's old town

What do Albert Einstein, James Joyce, and Johanna Spyri have in common? All three were residents of Zurich. But it's not only great minds who are captivated by this lakeside city with its well-preserved old town. People from all over the world have come to this thriving metropolis. On the walk through the old town, Una Europa General Assembly delegates will go looking for clues to the city's past in its hidden alleyways and picturesque squares. You will uncover the secrets of Bahnhofstrasse, find out what a "procession axis" is, and much more!

Note: This is part of the Social Program designed for Una Europa General Assembly delegates. To participate, you need to register through the Una Europa General Assembly Registration form by 19 April 2024. Please note that participant numbers are limited. 

More things to do in Zurich

Staying longer and want to see beyond the Zurich City Tour and the Kunsthaus? No problem, the city of Zurich has to offer much more. Check out 10 places to visit in Zurich .

Staying for another day after or before the General Assembly? Here's a suggested itinerary on how to discover Zurich in 24 hours.

 

Weiterführende Informationen

Acknowledgment

This project is financially supported by Movetia. Movetia promotes exchange, mobility and cooperation within the fields of education, training and youth work – in Switzerland, Europe and worldwide.