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.
1) Art Museum
The Art Museum is the best place in the city for art lovers. Located within the Culture and Convention Center Lucerne (KKL), the gallery is more than 2,000 square meters in size. Around since the late 1990s, the gallery has a diverse collection that spans artworks from the 15th to 20th centuries.
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2) Jesuit Church
Sitting on the banks of the Reuss River, the Jesuit Church is a favorite with visitors to Lucerne. First built in 1666, the church's appearance is distinguished by a baroque style of architecture. Dedicated to St Francis Xavier, the church was formed for the Jesuits of Switzerland. Inside you'll find beautiful paintings depicting various Christian scenes.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Andrew Bossi
3) Lucerne Chapel Bridge
Lucerne Chapel Bridge is one of the oldest road bridges in all of Europe. This amazing wooden pedestrian bridge across the River Reuss was built in 1333. Its original aim was to help defend the city. The bridge's main highlight are the 100 early 17th century paintings on its ceiling.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Andrew Bossi
4) Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is fondly visited by every art lover who come to Switzerland. Housed in a beautiful 17th century building called Am-Rhyn-House, 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.
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5) Mill Bridge
The 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.
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6) Zyt Tower
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 1386. 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.
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7) Church of St. Leodegar
The Church of St. Leodegar is one of the most important landmarks in Lucerne, as well as one of the largest churches in all of Switzerland. Dating from the 1630s, this basilica is located close to the lake, offering amazing views. From the outside you can see its twin identical needle towers. Its interior is richly decorated with classic works of art.
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8) Bourbaki Panorama
The Bourbaki Panorama is another of Lucerne's most famous tourist attractions. Its giant panoramic paintings reveal the events and history of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-1871 and the Bourbaki Army. Situated in the heart of the city near the iconic Lion Monument and the Glacier Garden, the panorama has been housed in a new building since 2000.
Image Courtesy of bourbakipanorama.ch
9) Dying Lion of Lucerne Monument
This famous carving of a dying lion by Bertel Thorvaldsen is one of the most significant historical monuments in Lucerne. This enormous sculpture - measuring six meters high and ten meters long - is dedicated to soldiers who lost their lives in the French Revolution in 1792.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Marie-France Trachsel