Zurich Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 16, 2024
Zurich Then
Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, also serves as the capital of the canton of Zürich.
Its name is traditionally written as “Zurich” in English, omitting the umlaut (ü).
The city’s name can be traced back to the late 2nd century AD, where the earliest known reference appears on a tombstone, with the inscription “STA(tio) TURICEN(sis),” indicating the location as a customs post of the Roman Empire.
The name “Turicum” is believed to derive from a personal name, possibly the Gaulish name Tūros, with the toponym Turīcon signifying “belonging to Tūros” or “place of Tūros.”
Over the centuries, the name evolved into the modern form “Zurich,” maintaining its historical connection to its Roman roots and reflecting its long-standing significance as a cultural and financial hub in Europe.
Zurich History
Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, has a rich and layered history that dates back to prehistoric times.
The earliest known inhabitants were prehistoric peoples who built their dwellings on pile foundations along the shores of Lake Zurich.
Later, the Celtic Helvetii established a community on the right bank of the Limmat River.
With the Roman conquest of the region around 58 BCE, Zurich, known as Turicum, was made into a customs post, marking the beginning of its urban development.
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During Roman rule, Zurich grew into a small military outpost, surrounded by a Roman village, known as a vicus.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Zurich came under the control of the Alemanni, a Germanic tribe, and later the Franks, who made it a royal residence.
By the medieval period, Zurich had established itself as a thriving trading hub, strategically positioned on key European trade routes.
The city’s importance grew as it was granted imperial free city status in 1218.
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In 1351, Zurich joined the Swiss Confederation, a group of cantons opposed to the Austrian Habsburgs.
The 14th century also saw the establishment of a democratic system based on guilds, which balanced the influence of various social and economic groups.
The city’s increasing independence was underscored in 1400, when it purchased its freedom from the emperor, further strengthening its political autonomy.
The 16th century brought significant religious transformation with the Swiss Reformation.
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In 1519, Huldrych Zwingli, a priest at Zurich’s Grossmünster, initiated a series of reformist sermons that set Zurich on a path toward Protestantism.
This shift changed the city’s cultural and social landscape, making it a center of Puritanical Protestant thought.
Zurich also became a refuge during the Counter-Reformation, welcoming Protestant exiles from France and northern Italy, which further fueled its economic and cultural growth.
Napoleon’s occupation of Switzerland in 1798 marked the end of the old political order.
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Zurich, like much of Switzerland, was reorganized under the Helvetic Republic, but the centralization of power was unpopular.
After a period of unrest, the 1803 Act of Mediation granted Zurich the status of a sovereign canton within a newly reformed Swiss Confederation.
In the 19th century, the rise of liberalism brought political reforms, including the drafting of a new canton constitution in 1831, which granted citizens greater control over their government.
Industrialization in the 19th century transformed Zurich into a modern city.
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The introduction of the railway in 1847, including the first Swiss railway line connecting Zurich to Baden, was a key moment in the city’s development.
The construction of Zurich’s Hauptbahnhof (main station) in 1871 and the opening of Bahnhofstrasse, a prominent shopping street, in 1867 symbolized Zurich’s rapid modernization.
By the end of the 19th century, Zurich had emerged as Switzerland’s financial center, a position further solidified by the establishment of important financial institutions such as the Schweizerische Kreditanstalt in 1856.
The 20th century brought both challenges and opportunities for Zurich. During World War I, the city became a haven for intellectuals, and the Dada movement emerged in 1916 at the Cabaret Voltaire.
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World War II had a more troubling impact on Zurich, as its banks were accused of helping the Nazi regime launder stolen gold and valuables.
However, the city recovered post-war, becoming a center for international finance, especially in the areas of banking and insurance.
By the late 20th century, Zurich’s economy had shifted away from industry and textiles, with finance, services, and high-tech industries becoming dominant.
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The city also underwent significant social and infrastructural changes, including the expansion of the airport and the development of the financial sector, which helped Zurich maintain its status as one of the world’s leading financial centers.
In recent decades, the city has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental initiatives, while also maintaining its position as a global economic hub.
The 21st century has seen Zurich confront modern issues such as urban development, immigration, and drug-related challenges, yet it remains one of the most prosperous and well-managed cities in the world.
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Zurich Now
Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and the capital of the canton of Zurich, is a major hub for finance, culture, and industry.
Situated at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich, the city is located in an Alpine setting, surrounded by two rivers, the Limmat and Sihl, and the Albis and Zürichberg mountains.
The city’s location offers stunning views, especially from Üetliberg, a hill that rises 2,850 feet (870 meters) and provides a panoramic view of the lake, city, and surrounding mountains.
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Zurich is strategically positioned about 40 miles (60 km) from the northern foothills of the Alps, making it an ideal place for trade and commerce.
As of January 2023, Zurich had a population of over 443,000 inhabitants within the municipality.
The broader urban area, which encompasses the city and its suburbs, had a population of approximately 1.315 million, while the Zurich metropolitan area included 1.83 million residents.
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This makes Zurich not only the largest city in Switzerland but also one of the most populous and important urban centers in the country.
Zurich is recognized as one of the world’s leading financial hubs, hosting numerous financial institutions, banking companies, and multinational corporations.
It is home to the Swiss National Bank and the Zurich Stock Exchange, cementing its role as a key player in global finance.
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Additionally, Zurich’s thriving service sector, especially in finance, contributes significantly to its economic strength.
The city’s well-developed infrastructure, including the Zurich Airport and the main railway station, allows it to function as a central transport hub, facilitating both domestic and international connectivity.
The city also stands out for its cultural offerings. It boasts numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, including the renowned Kunsthaus and the Swiss National Museum, making it a prominent center for art and history.
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Zurich is also home to Schauspielhaus Zürich, considered one of the most significant theaters in the German-speaking world.
Its rich cultural scene, combined with its economic prowess, makes Zurich a dynamic city where finance, arts, and lifestyle converge.
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Zurich’s unique blend of natural beauty, economic vitality, and cultural heritage defines its role as a leading European metropolis.
With its mix of modern and traditional elements, the city continues to attract people from around the world, contributing to its diverse and cosmopolitan character.
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FAQs
Zurich is in Switzerland, located in the canton of Zurich.
Zurich is famous for being Switzerland’s financial hub, its high quality of life, beautiful Alpine scenery, and vibrant cultural scene, including world-class museums and theaters.
Yes, you can speak English in Zurich. It is widely understood, especially in business, tourism, and urban areas.
The official language of Zurich is German, but the local dialect, Zurich German (a variety of Swiss German), is commonly spoken.