Grossmunster and Wasserkirche in Zurich

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James Blake Wiener
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published on 17 December 2018
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Overlooking the Limmat River in Zürich, Switzerland, Grossmünster Cathedral is one of the city's most impressive churches. Although its plump twin towers date from 1781 CE, the core of Grossmünster dates from the 11th century CE and sits on the site of an earlier Carolingian church dedicated to the memory of the Gallo-Roman martyrs Felix and Regula. Charlemagne is said to have founded the church when his horse tripped over their tombs. To the right of Grossmünster on the Limmat River stands the Wasserkirche ("Water Church" in German) where the martyrs Felix and Regula were executed and the Münsterbrücke bridge. In ancient and medieval times, Münsterbrücke was wooden.

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About the Author

James Blake Wiener
James is a writer and former Professor of History. He holds an MA in World History with a particular interest in cross-cultural exchange and world history. He is a co-founder of World History Encyclopedia and formerly was its Communications Director.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Wiener, J. B. (2018, December 17). Grossmunster and Wasserkirche in Zurich. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9738/grossmunster-and-wasserkirche-in-zurich/

Chicago Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Grossmunster and Wasserkirche in Zurich." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified December 17, 2018. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9738/grossmunster-and-wasserkirche-in-zurich/.

MLA Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Grossmunster and Wasserkirche in Zurich." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 17 Dec 2018. Web. 24 Feb 2025.

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