Predigerkirche and Central Library

Why is it significant?

Direct your gaze toward the slender, needle-like spire of the Predigerkirche rising dramatically above Zähringerplatz. Reaching ninety-six meters in height, this tower, completed in 1899, is the tallest historic church tower in Zurich.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Direct your gaze toward the slender, needle-like spire of the Predigerkirche rising dramatically above Zähringerplatz. Reaching ninety-six meters in height, this tower, completed in 1899, is the tallest historic church tower in Zurich. The church itself possesses far older roots: it was founded in 1231 as the priory church of the Dominican mendicant friars.

Because the Dominicans were formally known as the Order of Preachers, locals naturally dubbed the building the Preachers' Church. The friars placed the utmost importance on scholarship, theology, and the preservation of books. Following the Reformation and the dissolution of the monastery in 1524, the expansive friary was repurposed as a municipal hospital.

Directly connected to the cloister stands the Central Library of Zurich, serving jointly as the cantonal, city, and university library. Its temperature-controlled vaults preserve over six million books, illuminated medieval manuscripts, music scores by Wagner and Mozart, and the correspondence of reformer Heinrich Bullinger. The architectural details of the masonry and the historic aura of the site continuously captivate visitors and residents alike. An attentive walk through these storied corners demonstrates how harmoniously Zurich's deep history merges with its contemporary urban rhythm.

Step inside the soaring choir of the Predigerkirche, where pure high-Gothic architecture and exceptional acoustics make it a favored venue for classical choral concerts. The austere grandeur of the nave reflects the spiritual simplicity of the medieval mendicant orders. Generations of proud local residents have shaped this remarkable landmark, passing its timeless stories down to present-day travelers. Throughout the surrounding neighborhoods, visitors can clearly sense the harmonious blend of historic tradition and cosmopolitan energy. Thoughtful explorers will discover captivating details at every turn, bearing witness to the deep heritage and civic pride of the city. Thoughtful explorers will discover captivating details at every turn, bearing witness to the deep heritage and civic pride of the city.

Walk west down Brunngasse to the bustling pedestrian artery of Niederdorfstrasse and emerge onto Hirschenplatz.