Great Church (Grossmunster)

The Grossmünster, located in Kreis 1, was the starting place of the Protestant Reformation in Zürich. Preacher Huldrych Zwingli initiated the movement from this austere church's pulpit. But the history of Grossmünster, or Gross Monster as English speakers tend to pronounce it, goes back even further  … to Charlemagne, who was said to have founded the church. While you're there, make sure to check out the Augusto Giacometti stained glass windows and the large, lavish bronze doors.

If you're a church-history buff or an architecture enthusiast, the Grossmünster might be specifically interesting to you. And although touring the church is free, travelers recommend paying the few francs to climb the tower. Your steps will be rewarded by a sweeping panorama of the city.