first contact with this pleasant town is the international airport Klotten . Here Swiss folklore with characteristic sounds of Switzerland welcomes newcomers upon arrival. Long, often trans-continental trip by plane could be tiresome . Tune presented through loudspeakers like of gentle roar and calming mooing of cows, pleasant sounds of jingling bells , strong and deep tones of powerful “Alphorn” trumpets used by “highlanders” in Swiss Alps , reaching arriving passengers are appreciated . These acoustic impressions are pleasing introduction to awaiting Swiss adventure . This extraordinary cacophony of surrealistic sound experience at first contact with Switzerland at the modernity of the Zurich airport , raises some digressions about art, or one can call it anti-art. It was in Zurich where DADAISM arose. When in Europe WWI was raging , here in neutral country of Switzerland , with milieu of bourgeois society , artists developed a profile of this art form to demonstrate against the canons of contemporary , while bleeding in the trenches of the First World War drama, World . Demonstrations, publications, meetings, musical events were the artistic means for the artists and intellectuals to present dissatisfaction with existing “ order” in Europe of 1916-1920 .
Now at the beginning of XXI century , with thirst for the beauty of nature , sweetness of chocolates, breath taking views of the Alps, flavoured cheeses, wonderful order and precision of Swiss watches , the visitors to this great country arrive into balanced , orderly country , where many interesting experiences await them . After all this is a country with currency of Swiss Franc , which reaches “Matterhorn ROCK ” heights of its value on the currency exchanges . Financial strength of the country economy allows for the maintenance of economic , political and as well defence neutrality . Switzerland is the place where legendary William Tell comes from . In the Middle Ages, with his rebellious attitude towards Austrian attempts to subordinate this beautiful region of Europe, he was the catalyst in the unification of Switzerland in a free, independent cantons Confederations .
Currently, Zurich, is very important link in the network of world finance. On the “Parade Square “, where the tram routes cross in the grid of well maintained transport system , with the facades of elegant , solidly constructed buildings , the path of financial and foreign exchange flow meet . On this Square , in these firm XIX century architectural structures , global finance settlements, exchange of shares in stock exchange transactions of the XXI century , take place . Also here , with hope, shareholders await that these financial “instruments” shall perform an important role in leading the World from the crisis of confidence and in general from the Global Financial Crisis which grips World economies , into balanced future . This Square during the seventeenth century, a relatively recent history of this central square of Zurich, being now the proverbial heart of Swiss banking , was always ” exchange market”, but not of conventional financial instruments like currencies ,bonds , stocks or precious metals , but of farming animals , mainly pigs. Simply it was a square where cattle and other domesticated animals were sold and bought . Here shepherds and peasants sold their four-legged creatures. Square was called , in these days “Säumärt” , to put it mildly, “Pigs market”, which for many it might be symbolizing certain characteristics in the sphere of today’s financial world or bring thoughts related to analogies of the dynamics of wealth exchange of contemporary times . In 1819, this square was renamed “Neumarkt” New Market ” , only to rename it again in 1865 , when the construction of great Alee , type of Avenue , elegant Bahnhofstrasse, began . Today on the square are housed offices of well known banks like UBS, Credit Suisse, which keep in their tills vast sums of cash, while in the safes great wealth of world’s magnates and barons of the finances and as well “Nouveau riche” of the World, is kept . Beside Banks in the Parade Square many more famous institutions of Switzerland positioned their Head Quarters , offices and shops . For ‘Solace’ of bitterness ,some may feel with the envy and jealousy of wealth flowing from jewellery stores, designer shops and famous fashion companies , the cholatier company “Lindt und Sprungli” at their wonderful , elegant shop present delicious chocolate confectionery products. The year 1845 was the moment when fashion for chocolate, which ceaselessly continues to this day, began . On the Parade Square beside the monumental buildings of the nineteenth century, there are other architecturally stimulating structures .The Griederhaus, presents a to the eye of the viewer classical design riches of “Art Nouveau” style .
From “Parade Platz” elegant avenue Banhoff Strasse as the name suggests, leads to the train station where the Swiss and European rail routes cross only to “disgorge “ tourists , travellers and locals which is important aspect of the country economy . “Hauptbanhoff” Zurich main station is for many gateway to many of the spectacular places with amazing sceneries of Switzerland and the Alps. It is worth adding that from this attractive station building first train departed in 1847 providing also first rail route in Switzerland. The locomotive called “Brötli Bahn” pulled the train to only 20km . away Baden. The train ride took 45 minutes which for these days was skyrocket time. So this was the beginning of laying the ground for the Swiss railway networks, which now allows travellers to get to spectacular often very isolated place in Switzerland. From Zurich depart also Express trains to many capitals of Europe . There is also dedicated train to Lucerne where the connection with proudly holding name of Swiss hero Express “ Willhelm Tell “ takes place ,only to take passengers through Gotthard Tunnel to Italian Locarno. At Banhoff Strasse, beautified by lovely trees ,refined and sophisticated elegant shops are situated .Among which, watch shops and boutiques charm walkers. “Cyma”, “Doxa”, “Longines”, these art icons in creations in watchmaking are enriched by great watches of “Patek Philippe” designed and presented by the masters in the construction of chronometers. It is worth to mention and emphasize few interesting aspects of the history of establishing of the company, whose watches are among the most expensive in the World. On the 1st of May 1839 in Geneva, two Polish immigrants, Antoni Patek –businessmen and Franciszek Czapek – watchmaker founded together company called “Patek, Czapek & Cie». In 1844, Mr. Patek met the French watchmaker in Paris, Mr. Adrien Philippe, and together founded a new company, which eventually in 1851, was called the “Patek Philippe & Cie». So the Poles, also contributed to the success of the Swiss economy.
Close to the railway station the charming section of old town is stretching . Medieval buildings, narrow streets with colourful emblems and decoratively presented craftsmen guilds ornaments , the Renaissance building of the City Council form a pleasant atmosphere inviting to spend some time there .Of course delicious ,typical Swiss dishes of cheese “fondue” would be welcome type of nice meal and great way to relax .This dish is a homely feast at the table where revellers dip impaled on long metal skewers bread to enjoy taste of runny , warm fine Swiss cheese.
From the old town, typical alpine train provides ride to the site of the University. From the terrace of University a splendid view over the city, the lake and surrounding area, over which reigns the Swiss Alps, pleases the visitor to Zurich University. The University of Zurich was founded on April 29, 1833, when the colleges of theology (founded by Huldrych Zwingli in 1525) with law and medicine disciplines were merged together with a new faculty of Philosophy. It was the first university in Europe to be founded by the state rather than a monarch or church. The university allowed women to attend philosophy lectures from 1847, and admitted the first female doctoral student in 1866.
The main building is one of Zürich’s landmarks, especially with the tower visible from almost anywhere in the city and from the lake. The visit in the interior is highly recommended . Especially the main hall with very impressive huge staircase, the amazing glass roof and the arcades surround the hall present atmosphere like cloister . The works of art like the embossments in main hall, ground level present the frescos and mosaic works by famous artists like Giacometti and Hodler and others. In the old city one of the attractive, with two monumental towers, church “Grossmünster” is situated . This is an interesting building of Romanesque style, dating its existence from the 12th century. As legend says , construction of the church, while in deep faith ,was initiated by Emperor “Charlemagne” . On his decision precisely here, where today a beautiful view of Zurich stretches , where the burial of 3 Christian martyrs is situated , the Church impressively stands. The next interesting object of religious worship is the Church of St. Peter, with a stylish, attractive tower on which the largest in Europe church clock messaures passing time . With its story building connects the city with 8 -th century AD,. This church is an example indicative of the rich past of Switzerland. The present Baroque interior architecture robe, its attractive design blends elegantly with elements of medieval Gothic architecture , expressing deeply seated Christianity in Swiss national soul. The stained-glass windows of “Fraumünster” church, with rich colours and interesting forms of artistic expression in created by famous artists, Giacometti and Chagall, provide viewers with immense artistic tool to analyse the spirituality and the mood of this interesting place of warship .
Boat trip on “Zürichsee” lake by which Zurich is attractively situated , in sunny, clear weather, with blue sky ,while reflecting snowy peaks of the ALP, is an important aspect of tourist adventure in this interesting city. The pleasant boat ride or greater trip on steamer, across calm waters of the lake, where the swans, ducks and other waterfowl entertain , is truly delightful journey. Lake can also be used to make a boat journey to the village of Rapperswil, where a glass of wine will strengthen the experience of the breathtaking panoramic views, to leave unforgettable memories of Zurich in one heart . Gentle stroll along the beautiful walking trail or elegant mini boulevards, where the town presents great sculptures, statues, miniatures, reliefs and other sculptural forms of figural art, creates a pleasant experience for walkers. It should be added that Zurich is famous for the title of “capital of sculpture ” . Statistics indicate that biggest number of high-end, sculptures and other three – dimensional forms of contemporary art, where the avant-garde steel “mobiles” or stone statues with stimulating effects on imagination, are aesthetically concentrated in Zurich . The city’s rich history dates back to ancient times . It was approximately 7000 years ago when first activities of human beings are registered . But only in the 15th century BC, Romans founded the important point and centre in the colonization of Europe, which became place called Turicum. Important date in the history of Zurich is 1st May 1351. That was a moment when the citizens of the city took the oath of belonging to the Swiss Confederation. The union which already was merging the cantons of Lucerne ,Schwyz – whose name gave the origin of name of Switzerland with the cantons of Uri and Unterwalden . That way Zurich became the fifth member of the Confederacy. Only in year 1440, in connection to the so-called “Old Zurich War,” with one of the members of the Confederation, the membership was interrupted as Zurich was excluded from the Union . After the signing the peace in year 1446 , Zurich merges with the Confederation again in year 1450 again . During these Medieval Ages Zurich also is awarded status of the “Imperial” city.
Zurich with its tourist attractions , being on the routes of the inter-continental flights to Europe, where Singapore Airlines, Thai International and LOT land , with its geographical location, is a natural place to stay and as well start attractive wandering adventure around Switzerland and Europe.
WMIG
September 2011
Mitch Godziemba Swiat
mitchgodziemba