City Orientation Walk

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1 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 - City Orientation Walk Lucerne is thought to be one of the prettiest cities in Switzerland. It features beautiful mountain views, amazing historical buildings and a large variety of museums and galleries. Its nightlife scene is active, with plenty of arts centers and music venues around the city. Take this walking tour to explore the very best sights of Lucerne. Guide Location: Switzerland» Lucerne # of Attractions: 18 Tour Duration: 3 hour(s) Travel Distance: 4.1 km Please note: This walk is also featured in the ios app "Lucerne Map and Walks" on itunes App Store and the Android app "Lucerne Map and Walks" on Google Play. The apps provide GPS navigation to guide you from one tour stop to the next, so you will never be lost. The apps offer additional walking tours in Lucerne. Check them out! GPSmyCity offers self-guided walking tours in over 1,000 city around the world. Please visit gpsmycity.com for more walking tour offers. List of attractions included in this self-guided walking tour: A) Lucerne Railway Station B) Culture and Convention Center C) Museum of Art (Kunstmuseum) D) Rosengart Collection E) Symphony Orchestra F) Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche) G) Chapel Bridge H) Rathaus - Town Hall I) Zunfthaus zu Pfistern (Pfistern Guild Hall) J) Spreuer Bridge K) Dornach House L) Musegg Wall M) Zyt Tower N) Bucherer O) Church of St. Leodegar P) Bourbaki Panorama Q) Dying Lion of Lucerne Monument R) The Glacier Garden Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 -

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4 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 - A) Lucerne Railway Station The Lucerne Railway Station is the main hub of Switzerland's rail network. It serves domestic and international traffic on several rail lines. The station building itself is also notable. Designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava, it features an amazing entrance hall and an elegant curved roof. The station is located in a waterfront location on the south side of Lake Lucerne just above the outflow of the Reuss river. Bahnhofplatz occupies the area between the front of the station and the lakefront, and is heavily used by the local buses. The landing stages used by the passenger ships of the Schifffahrtsgesellschaft des Vierwaldstättersees occupy the lakeside of Bahnhofplatz, providing interchange between rail and water transport. An underground shopping mall lies below both the concourse of the railway station and Bahnhofplatz. Address: Bahnhofplatz, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Wolf-Dieter. Sight description based on wikipedia B) Culture and Convention Center Culture and Convention Center is a new building designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel. It was inaugurated in 1998 with a concert by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Claudio Abbado. It is located close to the Lake Lucerne and East of the Railway Station. From the halls of the Center you can admire the fascinating scenery of Old Town and Lake Luzern. The Center includes an Art Museum, restaurants, many various halls and a large concert hall where many concerts are performed regularly. Address: Europaplatz 1, 6005 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and JosefLehmkuhl Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 -

5 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5 - C) Museum of Art (Kunstmuseum) (must see) The museum exhibits some truly great art works, with an emphasis on the 19th and 20th century landscape painting and international art from 1960 onwards. The building's plain style and sophisticated use of light provide perfect conditions in which to fully appreciate each masterpiece. Don't miss the eye-catching views of the lake and the city - as well as part of the gallery's interior - that you can see from the bridges that connect the two halves of the Museum. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm; Wednesday 10 am to 8 pm; Monday closed Address: Europaplatz 1, CH-6002 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and m.a.r.c. D) Rosengart Collection (must see) The Rosengart Collection, formerly the Picasso Museum, is fondly visited by every art lover who comes to Switzerland. The museum's collections include sculptures, photographs and paintings. The best part is the collection entitled "Picasso, photographed by David Douglas Duncan", which features 200 photographs of Picasso himself. There are also many books and documentary films that reveal every detail of Picasso's life. Opening hours: April October: daily 10 am - 6 pm (including public holidays); November March: daily 11 am - 5 pm (including public holidays) Address: Pilatusstrasse 10 CH 6003 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and Martin Beek E) Symphony Orchestra The Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, the oldest orchestra in Switzerland, has 200 years of history. Due to its great contribution in the cultural life Lucerne is known as a city of music and the orchestra got international success. It also accompanies the performances of the Municipal Theater. Combining tradition and innovation the orchestra offers brilliant classical-romantic repertoire. It also cultivates modern music in its programs. Address: Pilatusstrasse 18, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5 -

6 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 - Image Courtesy of Flickr and emperi F) Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche) (must see) This beautiful church is considered to be the first large baroque style church ever built in Switzerland. It's located on the south bank of the Reuss river in a triangular area known as Kleinstadt. Special points of interest include the sacristy, the rich stucco work and church relics including the penitential robe of St. Nikolaus von Fluee. Address: Bahnhofstrasse 11a, 6003 Lucerne, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and moppet65535 G) Chapel Bridge (must see) The Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden footbridge spanning diagonally across the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne. Named after the nearby St. Peter's Chapel, the bridge is unique since it contains a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, although many of them were destroyed along with most of the centuries old bridge in a 1993 fire. Subsequently restored, the Kapellbrücke is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, as well as the world's oldest surviving truss bridge. It serves as the city's symbol and as one of Switzerland's main tourist attractions. The bridge itself was originally built in 1333 as part of Lucerne's fortifications. It linked the old town on the right bank of the Reuss to the new town on the left bank, securing the city from attack from the south (i.e. from the lake). The bridge initially had a length of over 200 metres (660 ft), although due to numerous shortenings throughout the years and river bank replenishments, the bridge now totals only 170 metres (560 ft) in length. "(The above description is based on Wikipedia under Creative Common License)" Address: Chapel Bridge, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Andrew Bossi. Sight description based on wikipedia Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 -

7 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 7 - H) Rathaus - Town Hall (must see) The Rathaus was constructed in 1606 by Anton Isenmann. This town hall has a renaissance architectural style, with an emmentaler-style roof. Right above the arcades you will find the Kornschütte hall, which used to be a major trading venue. Address: Kornmarkt 3, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and thisisbossi I) Zunfthaus zu Pfistern (Pfistern Guild Hall) This is one of Lucerne s amazing buildings, with extensive decoration in frescoes. Its front elevation has mural of the Pfistern family tree decorated with local coats of arms. The former Guild Hall is now a restaurant serving Swiss specialties. Address: Kornmarkt 4, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and schoschie J) Spreuer Bridge The Spreuer Bridge (formerly also Mühlenbrücke or Mill Bridge) is a beautiful spot for a walk across the river. This medieval wooden bridge, which was constructed in 1408, has a large number of medieval-style 17th century paintings. These pictures, named Dance of Death, depict scenes of plague that beautifully reflect the fragility of human life. The bridge also has a chapel in its center which is consecrated to the Virgin Mary. Address: Spreuerbrücke 6002 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and johntrainor Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 7 -

8 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 8 - K) Dornach House The Dornach House is a charming neo-gothic style building with Mannerist fresco paintings. Built around 1900, it is dedicated to the Swiss victory in the Battle of Dornach. During this battle in July 1499, the troops of Emperor Maximilian I were decisively beaten by the Old Swiss Confederacy. The war ended with independence of Switzerland from the Roman Empire. Address: Hirschenplatz, Lucerne, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and Clint & April L) Musegg Wall (must see) Musegg Wall is a medieval town wall that was built in the 15th century. Visitors flock here for the ancient paths, original architecture and other curiosities, such as the oldest clock in the city. What's more, the top of the wall features some of the most amazing views you can get of the lake, mountains and the river. Address: Museggstrasse, 6004 Lucerne, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Paebi M) Zyt Tower (must see) The Zyt Tower, another of The Nine Towers of Lucerne, offers a great up-close view of the Old Town. Some of its old walls date back to The tower also features the oldest clock in the city, built by Hans Luter in 1535 and still working. The big clock, which is around 3 to 4 meters tall, rings one minute before the standard watches of the city. Address: Museggmauer, 6004 Lucerne, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and YenRu Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 8 -

9 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 9 - N) Bucherer (must see) The Bucherer brand is known both in Switzerland and further afield for its high quality products. The store has more than 90 years' experience in making high-quality watches. Here you'll find Rolex pieces and other watches as well as a luxurious variety of gemstone and pearl jewelry. The store also has a whole floor of souvenirs - cuckoo clocks, Swiss Army knives, crystals and many other items are on sale here. Opening hours: Mon Sat: ; Sunday: Address: Schwanenplatz 5, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and Eric Kilby O) Church of St. Leodegar (must see) The Church of St. Leodegar is the most important church and a landmark in the city of Lucerne. It was built in parts from 1633 to 1639 on the foundation of the Roman basilica which had burnt in This church was one of the few built north of the Alps during the Thirty Years War and one of the largest and art history rich churches of the German late renaissance period. In 1874 the parish church of St. Leodegar was founded and with that the church became simultaneously a monastery church and parish church, as it is today. "(The above description is based on Wikipedia under Creative Common License)" Address: St.-Leodegar-Strasse 6, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Flickr and moppet Sight description based on wikipedia P) Bourbaki Panorama (must see) The Bourbaki Panorama is a circular painting, museum and cultural center in Lucerne and has been a family tourist attraction for 120 years. It is situated in the heart of Lucerne, near the city s iconic Lion sculpture and its other tourist attraction, the Glacier Garden. The giant panoramic painting located in the circular building that was renovated in 2000 shows the French Armée de l Est of the General Charles Denis Sauter Bourbaki as it crosses into Switzerland at the end of the Franco-Prussian War from The painting is 112 meter long and 10 meter high. Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 9 -

10 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 10 - Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 am 5:00 pm Address: Löwenplatz 11, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Leiju. Sight description based on wikipedia Q) Dying Lion of Lucerne Monument (must see) The Lion Monument is a sculpture, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in by Lukas Ahorn. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The American writer Mark Twain ( ) praised the sculpture of a mortally-wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." The monument is carved into the cliff face, it measures a staggering ten meters in length and six meters in height. The Lion Monument is dedicated Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti ("To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss"). The dying lion is portrayed impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy; beside him is another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland. The inscription below the sculpture lists the names of the officers, and approximate numbers of the soldiers who died (760), and survived (350). "(The above description is based on Wikipedia under Creative Common License)" Address: Lowenplatz, Lucerne, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Marie-France Trachsel. Sight description based on wikipedia R) The Glacier Garden (must see) The Glacier Garden is Nature s own monument, with a park and museum. It is also one of the favorite tourists attraction. Glacial potholes witness the last Ice Age and the fact that Lucerne was once covered by glaciers. Built around a glacial pothole, the museum also displays facts of the town's history. The first glacial pothole was discovered by Josef Wilhelm Amrein-Troller ( ) on November 2, 1872, during the construction works for a Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 10 -

11 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 11 - wine cellar. On the 1st May 1873 the Glacier Garden was already open, and the excavations continued until Hours: April 1 to October 31: 9am to 6pm daily; November 1 to March 31: 10am to 5pm daily Address: Denkmalstrasse 4, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Cropbot. Sight description based on wikipedia Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 11 -