Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in north-central Switzerland, at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich. As of January 2023, the municipality had 443,037 inhabitants, the urban area 1.315 million (2009), and the Zurich metropolitan area 1.83 million (2011). Zurich is a hub for railways, roads, and air traffic. Both Zurich Airport and Zurich's main railway station are the largest and busiest in the country.
Some of the key events about Zurich
- 1349The Black Death plague killed about half of Zurich's population
- 1351Zurich joined the Swiss Confederation, marking the beginning of its integration into Switzerland
- 1519The Protestant Reformation began in Zurich, leading to significant religious and social changes
- 1523Zurich's Catholic images and relics were removed from churches during the Protestant Reformation
- 1799Zurich was occupied by French troops during the French Revolutionary Wars
- 1802The city was besieged during the Stecklikrieg civil war
- 1833The University of Zurich was founded, becoming the first university in Europe to be established by a democratic state
- 1847Switzerland's first railway line opened, connecting Zurich to Baden
- 1871A riot broke out when the government banned an international socialist congress
- 1882The Zurich Stock Exchange was established, becoming one of the world's most important financial centers
- 1896The Zurich Opera House opened, becoming a renowned venue for classical music and opera performances
- 1916The Dada art movement was founded at the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich
- 1932The Great Depression led to high unemployment and social unrest in Zurich
- 1934FIFA, the international governing body of football, established its headquarters in Zurich
- 1939Zurich's main synagogue was damaged in an arson attack
- 1960The Zurich Airport opened, becoming Switzerland's largest international airport
- 1967Youth riots erupted in the city, leading to property damage and arrests
- 1992Zurich's open drug scene in Platzspitz Park, known as "Needle Park", was forcibly closed due to rampant drug use and crime
- 2002The Swiss National Museum in Zurich reopened after extensive renovations, showcasing Swiss history and culture
- 2008The global financial crisis significantly impacted Zurich's banking sector
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.