The Grossmünster has two prominent towers, one of which (Karlsturm, closer to the Limmat) can be visited. Through a narrow staircase, 187 steep steps will take you to the top of the Tower. On the way up, you will come across the ‘Totentanz Cycle’ (Dance of Death) created by the Zurich-born street art pioneer Harald Naegeli (*1939). At a height of 50 metres, you’ll be able to enjoy the view over the city and the lake, in fine weather even as far as the Glarus Alps. For safety reasons, the gates to the terraces are closed to the public.

Architecture

The distinctive «helmets» of the Grossmünster towers (or citrus squeezers, as the sharp-tongued might call them) are now the landmark of Zurich – although in the original construction in the 13th century, they were hardly taller than the ridge of the nave. They are considered early examples of neo-Gothic architecture.