One of the most important events in Swiss history was the Protestant Reformation, which replaced centuries of Catholic heritage with reformist ideas. This process not only transformed the country’s faith, but also influenced local churches, including Grossmünster, the most important cathedral in Switzerland.
In the early Middle Ages, shortly after the fall of the Roman Empire, the various tribes and populations of Europe were scattered. Separated into small kingdoms and regions that had little relationship with each other.
However, these regions were united by a religion, Christianity, which had spread across the continent. Also, one of the most powerful kingdoms at that time was that of the Franks, ruled by Charlemagne.
According to legend, when Charlemagne arrived in Switzerland, in a town that is now Zurich, he knelt in front of the tombs of Saint Felix and Saint Regula, two Christian martyrs. This meeting inspired the emperor to create a monastery, which over time became the most important in the region.
Similarly, Grossmünster Cathedral was the heart of Catholicism in Switzerland, until it was taken as the seat of the Protestant Reformation, led by Ulrich Zwingli and Henry Bullinger.
Like other European nations, Switzerland was not a unified country, but was composed of different republics and independent cities, which cooperated with each other.
Being right in the middle of other states with influential cultures, such as Italy, France, Austria and Germany, the Swiss identity was blurred between these nuances. In addition, the large number of languages spoken in the region prevented the Swiss from being able to communicate fluently.
Despite this, the Protestant Reformation, promoted from the Grossmünster Cathedral, was one of the moments that defined the identity of the Swiss. Since the masses began to be given in the local German dialect, and not in Latin, as was the Catholic custom.
In the same way, the reform separated the Swiss church from the Roman papacy, making its beliefs independent. All these actions were carried out from Grossmünster, making it a central point of Protestantism.
However, the reform also affected the original image of the cathedral, since its organ, its stained glass windows and its works of art were removed from the place. Fortunately, the medieval structure remained almost intact.
What stands out the most about the Grossmünster Cathedral is its resemblance to the famous Notre Dame church in Paris. Similarly, its two towers are among the most recognizable landmarks in Zurich.
In addition, entry to Grossmünster is free, although you must bear in mind that its interior is austere, thanks to Protestant beliefs. Among other activities that you can do while you are in the cathedral, is to climb up to its towers, from where you can have an excellent view of Lake Zurich.
The easiest route to get to the Grossmünster Cathedral is the local tram, which will drop you off near the temple. Also, Grossmünster is close to St. Peter’s Cathedral and the Fraumunster, which is ideal if you want to see the most famous cathedrals of Zurich in a single tour.
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