Zurich, the most important industrial and commercial center in Switzerland, Zurich is a very ancient city, having been founded about 3000 B.C. on the site of an even earlier lake settlement. This in turn became a Celtic settlement some 2000 years later, and in 58B.C. the Roman occupied the site, calling it Turieum.

A throbbing world metropolis with its quiet aspects.

The variety of scenery in Zurich will catch you unawares. At times, it will strike you as a rowdy, throbbing major city, at others - especially in the Old Town - you will find the narrow alleys peaceful and leisurely.

The Zurich Lake gives you a feeling of well-being. On the shores of the Lake, you can sit and admire the Alps or stroll through the parks and watch the yachts on the water. Many public bathing facilities are open in Summer. If it is more adventure you are after, just wait for nightfall. The Zurich night-life is famous beyond the Swiss borders. There are countless concert halls, dance clubs in old factory buildings, snug bars and little dives for the nightbirds. It is all here. Whether you want it loud or quiet, big or small - Zurich can satisfy your every wish.

5 good reasons to visit Zurich:

• Broad cultural spectrum (opera, museums, galleries, concerts, other events).

• Ideal shopping centre with a variety of restaurants.

• Beautiful historical Old Town with large pedestrian zone.

• Unique lakeside location with unlimited facilities for relaxing.

• Night life for every - but every - taste.

The Kunsthaus of Zurich hosts mostly art from the last two centuries and among others impressive collections of Alberto Giacometti and Munch.

The Kunsthaus Museum houses paintings, sculptures and graphic art, mostly of the 19th and 20th century. The Kunsthaus features the largest and most important collection of works by Alberto Giacometti, and one of the largest Edvard Munch collections. One room is dedicated to Marc Chagall. Works by Hodler and other Swiss painters can also be seen, as well as a Dada collection and the Collection of the Foundation for Photography.

With its many different architectural elements of style, the large castellated building of the Swiss National Museum is a fascinating reflection on the country’s cultural diversity.

A prominent section is devoted to pre-history and the early historical period, in particular the New Stone Age, including finds of wheels actually found in Zurich which are among the earliest ever found, and Celtic finds and objects from the Early Middle Ages. Emphasis also falls on the medieval collection with important witnesses of knightly culture and a comprehensive collection of liturgical wooden sculptures, panel paintings and carved altars. Especially famous is Hodler’s monumental fresco “Retreat of the Confederates at Marignano” in the armoury. Pre-history, the Celts and Romans, the Middle Ages (Gothic period, religious statues), cultural history tours, national costume, historical rooms.

This beautifully modulated piece of land, covering 53,000 m2, was a private park and has been changed as little as possible over the years, with most of the old trees remaining. Today, the University’s botanical garden has approx.

1.5 million plants. The Swiss native flora is displayed in natural looking meadows and woodlands. Main attractions are: a Mediterranean garden, mountain plants, wetland vegetation, and acid-loving plants in peat. The display greenhouses show three kinds of vegetation: humid tropical, warm humid, and tropical to subtropical with a long dry period. The botanical garden is an inspiring place for visitors to relax and recharge.