Switzerland is the home to end number of natural beauty and cultural history, ensuring that there is something to find out that will surprise you.
Switzerland has a rich and fascinating history. Here are a few popular historical sites that you must visit when in Switzerland. At these places, you can trace the story of Switzerland and its people from the Neolithic era to the antiquity and modern age.
- Grossmünster: It is the most famous church in Switzerland. Apart from its mythical origins, the church is built where the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland started, a momentous moment that affected the whole country and shaped it for several years to come.
- Chillon Castle: Chateau de Chillon rests on the rocky outcrop looking on to Lac Leman. This is the most visited historical site in Switzerland. You will be surprised to see its beautiful setting. The history of this castle has been shaped by some of the most powerful moments in Swiss history, altering hands at the pivotal moments because of its important position.
- Augusta Raurica: Here, you can discover how the Romans lived at Augusta Raurica, home to the best-preserved theatre located in the Northern Alps. The colony started its operation back in 44BC when it was discovered by Lucius Munatius Plancus during the time when Julius Caesar met his untimely demise. Every year, a Roman festival is organized at this place.
- St. Peter’s Cathedral: Geneva’s cathedral has a memorable 850-year-old history and was where John Calvin decided to preach. During his living in Geneva, Calvin started the reform of both the cities and its church formation, teaching more than 2,000 times within the walls. These days, his favoured seat still sits within the cathedral.
- Aventicum: It is the old capital of Rome’s Swiss colony. It was the home for nearly 20,000 people. Now, the place is known as Avranches. What was once a busy commercial centre, now you will find a well-preserved amphitheatre, ruins of old temple building, Roman museum and baths showing some of the interesting finds from the surrounding places.
- Einstein House: This popular genius lived in Bern for 2 years between the year 1903 and 1905. He devised his Theory of Relativity within the walls of his house. The house has been renewed now and is open for the public.
- Glarus: The town of Glarus is the place where Anna Goldi, the last female executed for the witchcraft, met her finish. This lady was accused of witchcraft by her company and confessed about it after the torture. She renounced but was executed anyway. A new museum has been opened recently near the Glarus, which is dedicated to the story of Goldi.
- The Lion of Lucerne: Few monuments speak of such kind of national anguish as Lion of Lucerne. The Lion lies spread-eagled over the spear and shield in its death throes, a remembrance of the death of thousands of Swiss soldiers that were killed during the French Revolution in 1792.
These are the few popular historical sites in Switzerland that you must not miss.