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Zurich Dark History Tour: Discover Medieval Trials, Witch Hunts, and Executions
4.7
12 Ratings
Zürich
Uncover Zurich’s dark history on a guided tour through medieval trials, witch hunts, and executions. Explore key locations and hear the stories of real people who endured torture and met their fate in this hauntingly fascinating city.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Paradeplatz - Begin your exploration at Paradeplatz, where the enigmatic world of witches and executioners unfolds. Delve into the history of a Zurich executioner’s residence and grasp the nuances of their unique profession, including the intriguing details of their training.
- Börsenstrasse - Stroll down Börsenstrasse, where the medieval executioners once resided. Uncover the secrets of the most “popular” execution methods, the executioner’s salary, and the frequency of these somber events.
- Limmat - Absorb the poignant stories of the tortured witches of Zurich and immerse yourself in the narrative of Elsbeth, enduring fifteen days of torment.
- Fraumunster Church - Marvel at the majestic Fraumunster Church, renowned for its Marc Chagall stained-glass windows depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Hans Waldmann Statue - Pause at the Hans Waldmann Statue, erected in memory of a historical figure executed in 1489. Learn the intricacies of his extraordinary life and demise.
- Wasserkirche - Discover the Water Church and delve into the legend of Felix and Regula, beheaded for their unwavering Christian beliefs.
- Grossmunster - Pass by the Grossmunster, a symbol of Swiss-German reformation and a cornerstone of Zurich’s heritage.
- Kirchgasse - Navigate Kirchgasse, where ancient guidance on witch recognition and torture once thrived. Uncover the chilling details of this historical advice.
- Untere Zäune - Pause at the residence of a wealthy woman executed for witchcraft and immerse yourself in the gripping tale of her life story.
- Neumarkt - Discover the former place of pillory.
- Obere Zäune - See the house of the judge working during the peak of the witch-hunt and learn his revenge story.
- Zürich’s Town Hall - Pause at Zürich’s Town Hall to unravel the intricacies of medieval prosecution processes and see the square where death sentences were pronounced.
- Täufergedenkplatte - Encounter the Täufergedenkplatte memorial plate, a poignant reminder of executions by drowning.
- Rennweg - Reach Rennweg and explore the house of a baker tasked with providing the “last sip” to those bound for execution.
- Herkulesbrunnen - Conclude your journey at Herkulesbrunnen, where the condemned exited the city. Gain insight into the locations of burnings and hangings, bringing the haunting tales of Zurich’s past to a close.
What's Included
- Tales of the city’s connection to witch-hunts and executions
- A clear, photo-filled route guide with detailed directions
- High-quality audio guide narrated by a professional with a deep voice
What's Not Included
- You will need to have your own mobile phone with internet and headset
- If you decide to see the Fraumunster from inside, the visit will be subject to entrance fee of CHF 5
- There will be no live guide. Instead, you’ll explore the city using the link provided after booking
Additional Information
What springs to mind when Zurich is mentioned? Switzerland’s economic hub… A haven for bankers and consumers… Bustling streets filled with busy people…
We’re inviting you to experience a distinctively different Zurich.
Travel back half a millennium and picture a city steeped in medieval traditions. An executioner resides nearby, across the way a woman accused of sorcery is being led to her cell, and close-by, the city council deliberates over the punishment for a man guilty of stealing four sacks of salt.
Are you intrigued to discover where torture took place in Zurich, or the locations of public humiliation and execution? We will guide you through these significant sites linked with the city’s darker past, and share the true histories of the people involved. Hear about the stoicism displayed by beautiful Elsbeth, accused of witchery, during her suffering, the harsh execution of maid Adelheid, and the wealthy Agatha’s unsuccessful evasion of a death sentence.
Location
Paradeplatz
At the designated meeting point, there won't be a live guide present. We invite you to commence this self-guided tour using the link provided at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(12 Ratings)
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Yakilka
Jun 30, 2023
So-so great! - It was so great! I loved the tour. I could walk at my own pace, could read text in case of background noise or misunderstandings. I'm impatient to take another tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nataliegy916er
Jun 16, 2023
Very interesting information - Taught great pleasure for an informative guide to the dark places of Zurich,it was very interesting for unusual details. Thanks a lot!👍👍👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fabiola_c
Jan 6, 2023
A different and flexible way to learn more of the city!! - Interesting stories, very clear instructions, guided us to great hidden ways, easy communication with the operator, extremely helpful and flexible. Totally recommended!!
Review provided by Viator
Arinaceresh
Aug 26, 2022
Truly mystical! - It’s been a really interesting experience. I have discovered Zürich from a totally different perspective, full of mysteries, history and charm. Now, even the classic Zurich sights like Paradeplatz or Fraumünster seem to have a different image, an enchanting one. Would have loved to discover other cities through the same lens!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O6140sktamaram
Aug 25, 2022
Great! - Great experience! Interesting storys. We spend wonderful time all together. Super tour! Excellent! Recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ivomaskalans
Aug 25, 2022
Geat - Great tour. Not too long and includes all best places. Easy to understand. Interesting experience. Worth the price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darlene_f
Jul 8, 2024
I would suggest this activity. - This definitely got you walking around the town more than we would normally have, but the audio has a lot of filler facts or list of facts that don’t really add to the experience.
I think it’s okay to do if you’re looking for some interesting facts about the city and it gives you an insight to the darker side of the city. I think it was just too dark for me because I’m sensitive to human rights, and there doesn’t seem to have been much of that back then.
Review provided by Viator
Alexander_s
Mar 31, 2023
The path was very easy to... - The path was very easy to follow and the narration was interesting. If only the tour included more diverse topics from the alternative history of the city and more places one can actually enter. Nevertheless, absolutely worth time and money. I wish you had a more general sightseeing tour like this for a first time visitor
Review provided by Viator
Kim_b
May 2, 2024
Average - We had to ask for assistance for the link to work and took long time to load . If Rick Steves would have been available would have done his tour.
Review provided by Viator
