Luzern (Lucerne), Switzerland

Lucerne is a beautiful city that sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne. It has a charming and picturesque Old Town, beautiful old buildings, plenty of great restaurants, coffee shops, department stores and more high end watch stores than one would need.

The definite centerpiece of the city is the Kapellbrucke - the Chapel Bridge. It was constructed in first half of the 14th century as part of the city's fortifications and named after St. Peter's Chapel, which is located nearby.

The paintings which were added in the 17th Century illustrate scenes from Swiss and local history, including biographies of St. Leodegar and st. Maurice, patron saints of Lucerne.

Views of Lucern from the bridge.

Fritschi fountain, 1918. Supposedly the grave of Brother Fritschi is under this fountain. Legend has it that Brother Fritschi was a farmer (a big joker) who left money to the Safran guild on condition that they serve wine to the poor on Fasacht (Carnival). The guild is fulfilling the obligation to this day.

Church of St. Leodegar, built in 1633.

The Figure of the dying lion is another very popular landmark in Lucerne. It is dedicated to the many Swiss soldiers who died during the French Revolution of 1792.

Spreuerbrucke, Mill bridge, originates from 1408. This bridge is on the way to the fortification wall.

Gutsch, built in 1888 and inspired by the Bavarian castle Neuschwanstein. This beautiful fairy tale like Belle-Epoque palace is a hotel with a restaurant that offers stunning views of the city.

Loved this sign for the fortification wall and the clock tower.

Lucerne as seen from the clock tower.

Musegg wall built in 1386 has nine towers and four of those are open to the public.

There are plenty of small cobble stoned squares in the Altstadt, Old Town.

Rathaus (City hall), built in 1606 in the Italian Renaissance style with an overhanging roof which represents a typical style from the canton of Bern.

Rathaus Tower

Beautiful city but the best of it is yet to come......

Joanna

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