Cheap hotels near Grossmünster in Zurich, Switzerland

Located in central Zurich, the Grossmünster (meaning “great church”) is a prominent Protestant church with Romanesque-style architecture. Its twin towers seem to gaze over Zurich’s passersby from their post on the Limmat River. The Grossmünster is perhaps one of the most recognized silhouettes on the city skyline.

Legend has it that the church was originally commissioned by Charlemagne. The present structure dates to the 1100s, when it was founded as a monastery, which would rival the Fraumunster, a nearby church that was founded by Charlemagne’s grandson, Louis the German.

The church served a major role during the Protestant Reformation. Some say that Huldrych Zwingli, the preacher who got the reformation movement going in Switzerland from his pulpit here at the Grossmünster, could have given Martin Luther a run for his money.

If you visit, be sure to check out the choir windows by Augusto Giacometti (c. 1933). And visit the statue of Charlemagne in the basement crypt. Also featured? Medieval remnants, modern stained glass art and some beautiful bronze front doors.

The building is open to the public daily. Visit the interior Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the Grossmunster’s Web site. For a nice photo op, pay a few duckets and climb to the top of the church’s tower, then check out the view.

Remember, too, you can always attend a church service here for free. Check out the church's Web site for times of services.

Cheap hotels near Grossmünster: Since it’s so centrally located, the hotel offerings near Grossmünster can be a little pricey. We list a number of mid-priced hotels in Altstadt here and urge you to check out nearby Hottingen for even more budget hotel options.