This custom location is created on gpsmycity.com website.

The Lucerne Jesuit Church, located in Lucerne, is a prominent Catholic place of worship. It holds the distinction of being the first grand Baroque-style church constructed in northern Switzerland, situated above the Alps.

The Jesuit order, initiated by Ignatius of Loyola in 1534, played an active role in the Counter-Reformation, which was the Catholic response to the emergence of Protestantism. Protestant reformers like Zwingli in Zurich and Calvin in Geneva had caused a religious divide in predominantly Catholic Switzerland. In response to this situation, the Lucerne city council invited the Jesuits to establish a college in the year 1573.

Ludwig Pfyffer, who held the position of mayor in Lucerne, provided annual financial support to the Jesuits from his personal resources. The Jesuit College of Lucerne was officially founded in 1577, and it was housed in the Ritter Palace, a building originally constructed in 1557 to serve as the residence of Mayor Lux Ritter.

The construction of the associated church commenced in 1667, and by 1673, the basic structure of the church, including its main façade, had been completed. The church was consecrated in 1677, although the interior was not fully finished at that time. Numerous side altars were still missing, and even the high altar wasn't erected until four years later due to financial difficulties. The iconic onion-domed towers were not finished until 1893. In the mid-18th century, the vault underwent a redecoration. The original vestments of Brother Klaus, a renowned Swiss patron, are housed in the inner chapel.

Today, while the church presents an aesthetically pleasing exterior along the river promenade, its remarkable and unaltered pink and white interior truly captivates visitors. Entry to the church is free, and upon stepping inside, you will encounter one of the most magnificent churches in all of Switzerland.

The Lucerne Railway Station is the main hub of Switzerland's rail network. It serves domestic and international traffic on several rail lines. The station is located in a waterfront location on the south side of Lake Lucerne just above the outflow of the Reuss river. A square occupies the area between the front of the station and the lakefront, and is heavily used by the local buses. The landing stages used by the passenger ships are located at the lakeside of the square, providing interchange between rail and water transport. An underground shopping mall lies below both the concourse of the railway station and the square.

The station building was built in 1896. It featured an amazing entrance hall with a distinctive cupola and an elegant curved roof. A fire broke out in 1971 and destroyed much of the building including the cupola, the station frontage and concourse.

A new station was eventually built, and opened on 5 February 1991, exactly 20 years after its predecessor was destroyed. The historic entrance portal facing the lake was re-erected to honor the legacy 1896 building. The portal is crowned by a sculpture named "Zeitgeist" by the well known Swiss sculptor, Richard Kissling.

The Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne, a source of pride for many residents of Lucerne, has been a significant part of the lakeside area since the year 2000. It replaced the Art and Congress Centre, which was originally designed by Armin Meili in 1933 and had been hosting the annual "Internationale Musikfestwochen" festival since 1938.

This modern facility, constructed between 1995 and 2000, stands as a distinctive civic amenity, brought to life by the acclaimed French architect Jean Nouvel and the American acoustician Russell Johnson. The unveiling of the Concert Hall during the 1998 "Internationale Musikfestwochen" (now known as the Lucerne Festival) marked a significant moment, with the complete Culture and Convention Centre complex being inaugurated in the year 2000.

The building consists of three main sections: the Concert Hall, the versatile Lucerne Hall, and the Convention Centre, which also includes the Museum of Art. It's internationally renowned for its exceptional architecture and world-class concert hall, serving as a versatile venue for various events, including cultural activities, conferences, and dining experiences.

The Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne is remarkable for incorporating water into its design. Architect Jean Nouvel cleverly allowed water from Europaplatz to flow into the building, with three ship-like sections beneath a massive 113 x 107-meter roof. This cantilevered roof extends an impressive 45 meters diagonally without external support and features 2,000 aluminum panels mirroring the nearby lake's surface.

The Lake Lucerne Promenade is arguably the best place in the city to take an easy walk. Visitors can join the locals as they stroll along the shore of Lake Lucerne. They can stop to watch the boats, gaze at the Alps, play games or sample one of the local restaurants. Many tourists simply enjoy having a place to sit and relax.

Some of the most popular draws of the Lake Lucerne Promenade are the summer concerts. Free, public concerts are available in the pavilion to anyone who wishes to enjoy listening to music in the open air. This tradition has been going strong since 1908. The evening concerts take place from May to September on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:15 PM. Morning concerts are available at 10:15 AM.

The promenade is in a central location that has easy to access to other tourist sites. Visitors to Lucerne can easily add a side trip to the promenade as they explore the Church of Saint Leodegar, which is only a three minute walk. Just a bit further is the Bourbaki Panorama. Neither should be missed on a trip to Lucerne.

Located in the heart of Lucerne, Schmocker Souvenirs is a charming place for those who want to capture the essence of this beautiful city through souvenirs. Lucerne is known for its iconic landmarks and stunning landscapes, inviting travelers to take home a piece of its charm. Among the many souvenir shops in the area, Schmocker Souvenirs stands out as a place of craftsmanship and heritage. It's conveniently situated near the Marienbrunnen im Hof and Kurplatz fountains, in the lively main shopping district close to the revered Lion Monument.

If you have an appreciation for wood carving and handcrafted treasures, this establishment is a must-visit. Schmocker Souvenirs offers a wide variety of original Swiss handicrafts that will leave a lasting impression of Lucerne's magic. From delightful cuckoo clocks to exquisite dolls, melodious bells, enchanting music boxes, and the finest woodcarvings, Schmocker Souvenirs invites you to explore a world of timeless Swiss craftsmanship that will forever connect you to the spirit of Lucerne.

Glacier Garden is the place to go to learn as much as possible about ice age glaciers. Visitors will walk through the museum and gardens where they will find the Rock Adventure Trail, which allows them to effectively walk through the rock and see how it was formed during the Ice Age.

The museum is in a traditional Swiss house. It has an 18th century mountain relief map, which is the oldest in the world. There is also an interactive relief map of Switzerland. After going through the museum, visitors can see themselves in the Mirror Mazer. Made from 90 mirrors, this 19th century maze offers a fun and interesting distraction.

An Observation Tower provides stunning views of Lucerne. Visitors can also find a the perfect area in the park to rest or have an outdoor picnic.

Glacier Garden is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer season and from 10 am to 5 pm through the winter months.

The Lion Monument, also known as the Lion of Lucerne, is a carved rock sculpture located in Lucerne, Switzerland. It was crafted in 1820 to honor the memory of the Swiss Guards who tragically lost their lives in 1792 during the French Revolution. This somber event occurred when revolutionaries attacked the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The Lion Monument stands as one of Switzerland's most renowned landmarks and draws approximately 1.4 million tourists annually.

Starting in the early 17th century, a Swiss Guards regiment had been a part of the Royal Army of France. On August 10th, 1792, as revolutionaries overran the palace, conflict erupted spontaneously after the royal family had been evacuated from the Tuileries to seek shelter with the Legislative Assembly. The Swiss Guards found themselves running out of ammunition and were ultimately overwhelmed by the numerically superior revolutionary forces.

In the course of the fighting or in the aftermath of their surrender, approximately 760 Swiss Guards who had defended the Tuileries lost their lives. An additional two hundred succumbed to their injuries while in prison or fell victim to the September Massacres that ensued.

The Lion Monument, an impressive piece of rock art carved into a cliff face, measures an imposing ten meters in length and six meters in height. It is dedicated to honoring the loyalty and courage of the Swiss. The sculpture depicts a dying lion impaled by a spear, with a shield bearing the emblem of the French monarchy covering its body. Adjacent to the lion, there is another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland.

Mark Twain famously referred to this sculpture of a mortally wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."

Located in the heart of Lucerne, the Old Swiss House is a renowned symbol of tradition and culinary excellence. This historic half-timbered structure, dating back to 1858, holds a special place in the city, just a short distance from the famous Lion Monument. It attracts visitors from various places, drawing in tour groups with its enticing combination of European cuisine and a strong sense of occasion.

For many people, a visit to the Old Swiss House is an essential part of their Lucerne trip. The restaurant's consistent excellence over the years can be attributed to the devoted Buholzer family, who have lovingly managed it since 1931. With an extensive wine cellar boasting a collection of over 40,000 bottles and a menu featuring signature dishes like Zurich-style veal in a rich cream sauce served with golden rösti, it caters to a wide range of discerning tastes.

However, what truly sets the Old Swiss House apart is its interior. Upon entering, you are transported to the 17th century, surrounded by hand-carved wall panels, solid oak doors, gleaming silverware, captivating oil paintings, stained-glass windows, and a porcelain-tiled stove that all contribute to the restaurant's enchanting decor.

Whether you're a lover of fine dining or simply in search of a historic and traditional meal, the Old Swiss House in Lucerne invites you to savor the past while enjoying the present.

The Bourbaki Panorama is a giant, panoramic painting that pays homage to the internment of the 87,000 French Bourbaki soldiers who made their way from Prussia to Switzerland during the winter of 1871. The artist, Edouard Castres, had a first-hand account of this occurrence. He created the painting after seeing the horrors of war as a Red Cross worker.

The incident happened during the Franco-Prussian War. General Charles Bourbaki's French forces fled to Switzerland. They were starving and facing disease, but the Swiss army found homes for them where they could rest during the harsh winter.

The Bourbaki Panorama is on a 112x10 meter canvas. It is thought to be the inspiration for 360 degree filming and virtual reality due to its size and shape. Visitors can go to the museum to see this important painting any day of the week. It opens at 10 am throughout the year. The museum closes at 5 pm from November to March and at 6 pm from April through October.

Tip:
The Bourbaki Panorama is actually comprised of two levels; the first is a video/slide presentation (plus several artifacts), while the upper level is a spectacular 3D presentation with life-size figures in front of the actual painting. Be sure to study the story in order to understand the situation depicted.

The Bachmann Confectionery is a well-established and leading producer of premium bakery, pastry, and confectionery items. They also offer unique cakes and Apéro treats to their customers. Their bakery, located in the heart of Lucerne, uses a combination of traditional recipes passed down through generations and modern technology to create fresh products.

The main shop, which spans 400 square meters, is stocked with a wide variety of delicious treats. Notably, there is a captivating Flowing Chocolate Wall weighing 750 kilograms. However, it's important to note that this chocolate is not edible; it's made from cocoa extract intended solely for decoration purposes. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or one of Bachmann's specialty items in the on-site cafeteria.

This bakery and confectionery business is a forward-thinking family enterprise currently in its fourth generation. Over the course of 120 years, the Bachmann family has continued to produce over 500 different products daily, blending traditional recipes with cutting-edge technology.

Casagrande offers an extensive array of Swiss mementos. Their inventory includes items like cuckoo clocks, Swiss army knives (with complimentary engraving upon purchase), a wide selection of watches, clothing, chocolates, and more, all spread across three floors. Their assortment encompasses a staggering 18,000 different items.

The origin of this establishment traces back to the partnership between Carlo Casagrande, hailing from Lucerne, and Kyra Marsh, a native of the UK, who crossed paths in Lucerne. In 1948, they took the entrepreneurial plunge by inaugurating their inaugural shop on Hertensteinstrasse. With a modest initial capital of 80 Swiss francs, they embarked on importing brass products from Great Britain. However, their business journey soon veered into the realm of souvenirs. Today, this family-run enterprise reigns as the premier purveyor of souvenirs in Lucerne. In 1959, Carlo Casagrande realized a long-held aspiration by creating a mascot to represent their company — "Casi Boy," which continues to serve as the trademark of the enterprise.

For those contemplating a journey through Switzerland, it's highly recommended to pay a visit to one of the Casagrande Store. This establishment is the ultimate destination to acquire Swiss gifts such as Swiss chocolates, Swiss knives, or even a charming cuckoo clock for your loved ones. Don't miss the opportunity to make a pit stop and stock up on Swiss treasures at a Casagrande Store, conveniently located in the heart of Lucerne.

The Chapel Bridge is a wooden foot bridge that stretches diagonally across the Reuss River in Lucerne. It got its name from Saint Peter's Chapel nearby. What makes this bridge special is that it has some old paintings inside from the 17th century. Unfortunately, many of these paintings were destroyed in a fire that happened in 1993, which also damaged most of the bridge. Thankfully, they fixed it up afterward. This bridge is not just any bridge; it's actually the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe and the world's oldest surviving truss bridge. People in Lucerne really like it, and it's a famous tourist spot in Switzerland.

Originally, they built this bridge in 1333 as part of Lucerne's defenses. It connected the old town on one side of the river to the new town on the other side, which helped protect the city from attacks coming from the south of Lake Lucerne. At first, it was more than 200 meters long, but over time, they made it shorter and did some work on the riverbanks, so now it's 170 meters long.

Lucerne is special because it has three wooden pedestrian bridges: the Hof Bridge from the 14th century (but that one's gone now), the Chapel Bridge, and the Spreuer Bridge from the 16th century. All of them have paintings on the inside in triangle-shaped frames. No other wooden footbridges in Europe have this. The paintings on the Chapel Bridge were made in the 17th century by a local Catholic painter named Hans Heinrich Wagmann. They show things from Lucerne's history. There used to be 147 paintings on the bridge before the fire in 1993, but they could only fully restore 30 of them.

Tip:
Experience it at night with the city lights, swans, flowers and romantic atmosphere. Both banks are full of great shopping and fantastic restaurants.

The Lucerne Town Hall, known as Rathaus, is an Italian Renaissance style building that is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Lucerne. Construction began on Rathaus in 1602 and was completed in 1606. It was designed by architect Anton Isenmann.

Rathaus is located in the heart of Old Town. Its location on the River Reuss offers perfect photo ops for visitors who want a great view of the Chapel Bridge. This is particularly true on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6 AM to 1 PM when market stalls open and tourists can partake in shopping while admiring the architecture.

Inside the building, visitors will find an exhibit hall and a concert hall. They may view the paintings and coffered ceilings from long ago as they find their way to the dovecote. Located in the Rathaus attic, the dovecote lets visitors both watch and feed the birds. They can even enjoy an exhibit that details the history of the Rathaus doves.

This is one of Lucerne’s most eye-catching buildings, boasting extensive exterior fresco decoration – a mural of the Pfistern family tree hung with coats of arms. Indeed, this is one of the last standing guild halls in the city. The name Pfister comes from the Latin “pistor”, which was what the Romans called bakers. The Germanization of the word turned it into “Pfister”.

The Pfister Guild initially united artisans, bakers and millers, and was founded in 1408. Later, it was joined by boat crews and pie bakers – in 1598 and 1697, respectively. The guild house was the noble gentlemen's meeting place to discuss politics and business, not forgetting some great food and drinks during the process.

Shortly before the guild was dissolved in 1875, the house was auctioned for 80,000 Francs. A century later – in 1977 – after numerous ownership changes, the property was acquired by the Lucerne Association of Pastry Bakers, thus reverting to its original purpose. Now fully reinstated, the house accommodates Pfistern restaurant serving Swiss specialties.

Spreuer Bridge is a covered, wooden footbridge that begins in the Mills Square in old town and ends in Pfister Alley. Also called the Mills Bridge, it is a popular spot for tourists who wish to see both the stunning architecture and the interior paintings.

The original bridge was constructed in the 13th century but was destroyed by a flood in 1566. It was rebuilt shortly thereafter, which was when the paintings were added. The paintings are the largest known paintings of the Dance of Death during the late Middle Ages.

Kaspar Meglinger directed the 67 paintings from 1616 to 1637. Most paintings contain information about the donors, including their names and family coat-of-arms. Some also have portraits of the donors. Forty-five of those paintings have survived. The paintings at Spreuer Bridge have also created the nickname "The Dance of Death Bridge."

Visitors are welcome to walk across the pedestrian bridge at any time, though the paintings are best viewed with natural daylight.