The first city hall was built in the 13th century right after Zürich became a free city. The third city hall, which was finished in 1698 in a Renaissance style, stands on the same location. With this richly decorated building situated on a prominent site, the city of Zürich made a statement regarding its significance within the Confederation. Since then, Zürich has considered itself to be “at the forefront,” or the driving force of the Confederation.
The Rathaus bridge is right next to City Hall and joins the two city halves divided by the Limmat river. It leads from the right-hand Limmat bank, with City Hall and Limmatquai, to the left bank with Schipfe and Weinplatz square, which appears to blend right into the spacious bridge. The Rathaus bridge is also called the “vegetable bridge” by locals, in memory of the vegetable market that used to be held here. City Hall is a freestanding building and is built over, rather than beside, the Limmat. This can be clearly seen from the south side, where the Limmat river flows through the two visible barrel vaults. There is also an entrance in the vaults to enable people to enter City Hall directly from a boat. Pay special attention to the façade with its inscriptions and busts of heroes of Greek, Roman, and Swiss history.
The Rathaus bridge is right next to City Hall and joins the two city halves divided by the Limmat river. It leads from the right-hand Limmat bank, with City Hall and Limmatquai, to the left bank with Schipfe and Weinplatz square, which appears to blend right into the spacious bridge. The Rathaus bridge is also called the “vegetable bridge” by locals, in memory of the vegetable market that used to be held here. City Hall is a freestanding building and is built over, rather than beside, the Limmat. This can be clearly seen from the south side, where the Limmat river flows through the two visible barrel vaults. There is also an entrance in the vaults to enable people to enter City Hall directly from a boat. Pay special attention to the façade with its inscriptions and busts of heroes of Greek, Roman, and Swiss history.
