Wasserkirche (Water Church), Zurich

Inside the Water Church, Zurich鈥檚 history flows just as steadily as the Limmat River beneath it. First mentioned in 1250, but with roots going all the way back to the 1100s, this church wasn鈥檛 just built near the water鈥攊t was built on it. Originally perched on a little island in the river, it looked like it was doing the medieval version of island life before it was cool. By 1486, it got a full makeover鈥攖hink of it as a 15th-century home renovation, but with more stained glass and fewer Instagram reels.

Then came the Reformation, and let鈥檚 just say the Water Church鈥檚 spiritual career hit a speed bump. Reformers, unimpressed by its "idolatrous" vibe, gave it a secular upgrade鈥攎aking it Zurich鈥檚 very first public library in 1634. So, yes, before the Kindle, there was the Water Church...

During the 1800s, the island it sat on got connected to the mainland (bye-bye, island mystique), and by 1917, the library moved out. The church, now unemployed, found a new gig鈥攇rain storage. Holy wheat, indeed...

In the 1940s, archaeologists and restorers gave the building some long-overdue tender loving care. The crypt was dusted off, the walls were reinforced, and by the time the renovations were done, the church was back in the business of being a place of worship鈥攖his time serving the Evangelical-Reformed State Church of Zurich.

But history aside, the Water Church stands on solemn ground. Legend has it that Zurich鈥檚 patron saints, Felix and Regula, were executed right here after refusing to persecute Christians. Decapitated, yes鈥攂ut apparently they stood up and walked off with their heads. As saints sometimes do...

Coming here, you'll find a serene, quiet corner of Zurich where you can catch your breath, contemplate eternity, or just admire the stunning Giacometti windows and explore the mysterious crypt below. Divine inspiration not guaranteed鈥攂ut a moment of peace is highly likely.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Zurich. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Wasserkirche (Water Church)
Sight Location: Zurich, Switzerland (See walking tours in Zurich)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Zurich, Switzerland

Create Your Own Walk in Zurich

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Zurich's Historical Churches Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

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