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5000 years ago the first settlers made the shores of Lake Zurich, where the waters exit,

their place of home. According to legend, in the 8th century, Charlemagne rediscovered

the tombs of the patron saints of Zurich, Felix and Regula. While out hunting,

he was pursuing a stag from Aachen to Zurich when his horse suddenly fell to its knees

to pay homage to the saints' tombs. Charlemagne subsequently had the bones exhumed

and he founded the church and the provostry of the Grossmunster in their honor.

The most central district encompasses the historical Old Town on both banks of the River Limmat,

as well as the area to the south bordering on the lake basin. It is home to the prestigious

Bahnhofstrasse, magnificent guild houses, imposing churches, and the famous Opera House.

ABOVE LEFT - We only had two half days in Zurich, and we had visited there before.

With limited time to explore the city, we just spent our time walking around Old Town.

ABOVE MIDDLE - Fountain in the old town pedestrian zone.

ABOVE RIGHT - The Grossmunster is a monumental Protestant church in the old town.

Grossmunster is Zurich's most recognizable and famous landmark by virtue of its iconic twin towers,

and it retains a place of prominence in Protestant Christianity due to its role in the Protestant

Swiss Reformation, which began at the direction of Ulrich Zwingli in 1519-1520 CE.

ABOVE LEFT - Looking across the Limmat River from Old Town. The best time you can have

in Zurich sightseeing is walking along the Limmat to the lake. The river flows through

the city center, dividing it into two parts. You can easily hop to either side

of the old town, as there are several bridges spanning the river.

ABOVE MIDDLE - Quaint restaurant in the pedestrian zone.

ABOVE RIGHT - Love the geraniums in all the window boxes. You know you are in Switzerland.

ABOVE LEFT - There is always something going on at the Grossmunster Church.

We never fail to visit and we've heard some fantastic organ concerts here.

ABOVE MIDDLE - Today, we listened to a string orchestra practicing for a performance later.

ABOVE RIGHT - Located on the west bank of the Limmat, the Fraumunster Church with its

green steeple is one of Zurich's most prominent landmarks. Particularly renowned

are the glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.

ABOVE LEFT - Another view across the river. The city of Zurich nestles around the upper

end of Lake Zurich, while the River Limmat flows right through the middle of the city.

ABOVE MIDDLE - Judith loves all of the old signs. This was a pharmacy

ABOVE RIGHT - This is the sign for the Swiss Chuchi restaurant at our hotel, Adler.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal at the restaurant on both visits.

ABOVE LEFT - Old Town pedestrian zone.

ABOVE MIDDLE - Another really interesting sign.

ABOVE RIGHT - Of course we had fondue!

ABOVE  - Clockwise - Lake reflection of the Matterhorn - We love the Matterhorn -

the Gornergrat Glacier - Hiking on the glacier - Alpenhorn concert in Zermatt -

Gornergrat snow.