Zunfthaus zu Pfistern (Pfistern Guild Hall), Lucerne

This is one of Lucerne’s most eye-catching historic buildings, thanks largely to the colorful frescoes covering its exterior. Look closely, and you’ll see the Pfistern family tree, decorated with numerous coats of arms. The building is also one of the last surviving guild halls in the city.

The name “Pfistern” has a surprisingly ancient origin. It comes from the Latin word “pistor,” the term the Romans used for a baker. Over time, as the word entered German usage, it gradually became “Pfister.”

The Pfister Guild itself was founded in 1408 and originally brought together artisans, bakers, and millers. Other trades joined later, including boat crews in 1598 and pie bakers in 1697. Like many guild halls of the period, this building was much more than simply a workplace. It was a meeting place where guild members could discuss business and politics while enjoying plenty of food and drink.

The guild survived for several centuries, but shortly before it was dissolved in 1875, the house was auctioned for 80,000 francs. Over the following century, the building passed through a number of different owners.

Then, in 1977, there was a fitting return to its culinary roots when the property was acquired by the Lucerne Association of Pastry Bakers. Today, the historic guild house is home to the Pfistern restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Swiss specialties surrounded by reminders of the building’s centuries-old connection with bakers and food.