It is believed that Switzerland is one of the most prosperous countries on the political map of the world, and its cities occupy leading positions in global rankings in terms of living standards and comfortable living. The long name of the country is Confoederatio Helvetica, and since it is a confederation, the state does not have an official capital. We will go to the cities of this amazing country to find out what is the largest city in Switzerland, and what other settlements of this state are famous for.
1
Zurich
Population: 397,000
With a population of 397 thousand people, the capital of the German canton of Switzerland, the city of Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, and it spreads over an area of 87.97 km².
In ancient times, these territories were developed by Celtic and Germanic tribes, and for the first time of our era, a Roman settlement called Tirikum was founded. In historical documents, the city began to appear in 929.
Today, Zurich is the most important global financial center, which houses the headquarters and offices of leading Swiss and world companies.
2
Geneva
Population: 198,000
The modern capital of the French-speaking canton was first mentioned in 59 BC, and archaeological research has shown that people have lived here since the end of the Paleolithic.
Mentioning the best cities in Switzerland, Geneva is undoubtedly one of their favorable places to stay. Winters are warm and mild and sunny on summer days.
On the streets and squares you can explore the magnificent and diverse architecture of Switzerland. The population of the city slightly exceeds 198 thousand inhabitants, and the beautiful Geneva is firmly in second place in the country in this indicator.
3
Basel
Population: 170,000
In a picturesque valley on the banks of the Rhine are the streets and quarters of the city of Basel, which is inhabited by 170 thousand inhabitants, and the total number of people in the metropolitan area reaches 830 thousand.
The settlement was founded in 15 A.D. as an ancient Roman colony, and in the Middle Ages Basel served as the residence of the bishop. The largest trade and financial center plays an important role in the Swiss economy, and the city itself is considered the center of pharmacology and chemical production.
The Rhine River divides the historical center, and the city itself into two parts, and powerful and beautiful bridges spread over the river itself, the first of which appeared in the distant 1226.
4
Lausanne
Population: 138,000
In the middle of the rating, Lausanne was firmly entrenched, whose population is 138 thousand people, and it was founded in the 15th century.
It is believed that the city got its beautiful name by the name of the leader of one of the Celtic tribes living in the territory of modern Switzerland. The Romans built a fortified camp here, and in the Middle Ages Lausanne became the residence of the bishops.
Conveniently located city has long become a tourist center, and among the attractions it is worth highlighting the luxurious Ryumin Palace and the unique Olympic Museum.
5
Berne
Population: 132,000
Founded in 1191, the city of Bern today is considered the actual capital of the West European state, and 132 thousand people live in it.
According to legend, the founder of the city, Bertold V Tseringensky, named the settlement by the name of the first animal killed in these places, which turned out to be a bear. One of the first cities of Medieval Europe to become a free city with its own self-government.
Bern attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique sights and numerous museums, which contain rare artifacts and objects of world art.
6
Winterthur
Population: 100,000
In the north of the country, in the canton of Zurich, the city of Winterthur is spread, which the locals, and according to the census they are exactly 100 thousand, are affectionately called Vinti.
Winterthur firmly established the title of "city of museums", and it was first mentioned in 919. The most visited are the Museum of Photography and Technorama, and the Gewerbemuseum contains unique collections of modern and medieval art and painting.
The city is conveniently located among the highways, and from the city center to Zurich Airport can be reached in 15 minutes by car.
7
St gallen
Population: 75,000
At an altitude of 700 m above sea level, overlooking the water surface of Lake Constance, lies the city of St. Gallen, named after the Irish monarch St. Gall.
The town itself grew up around the Benedictine monastery, and the date of its foundation is considered to be 720 year. Now 75 thousand people live in St. Gallen.
The city in the eastern part of the state is an important object on the tourist routes of Europe, and its attractions, museums and beautiful natural surroundings are known far beyond the borders of the country.
8
Lucerne
Population: 58,000
In the center of the Swiss plateau is located Lucerne, founded, according to historians, even during the reign of the Roman Empire.
They founded it among the picturesque landscapes, where the Royce River flows from the majestic Firwaldstät Lake. In addition to natural beauties, the town with a population of 58 thousand people is famous for its architectural sights.
Walking along the streets of Lucerne, you can fully enjoy the urban development that is classic for the country, and plunge into the atmosphere of a quiet and measured life of the German-speaking canton of the same name.
9
Lugano
Population: 65,000
The population of Lugano, and according to the latest census, 65 thousand inhabitants live in the city, speaks Italian, as it is located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino.
Already in the early Middle Ages, the town on the banks of a beautiful lake was an important trading center, from fairs of which goods were distributed throughout Europe. Many festivals take place in Lugano every year, and tens of thousands of world classics come to the famous festival of classical music.
It is famous for the fact that in 1956 the most popular Eurovision song contest was held there.
10
Biel
Population: 50,800
On the border of French-speaking and German-speaking Switzerland, in the canton of Bern, is the town of Biel, whose population is 50.8 thousand inhabitants.
The modern name is derived from the ancient Celtic settlement, named after the deity Belenus. During the Napoleonic forces he was occupied by the French army, and after the Vienna Congress in 1815 entered the canton of Bern.
The bill can rightfully be entered into the book of records, as its inhabitants speak 70 languages of the world. And about the most popular languages in the world on theBiggest.ru there is an interesting article.
So we visited the largest and most beautiful cities in Switzerland. It is noteworthy, only Switzerland and the Vatican have square flags, but another thing is interesting. Democracy is so developed in the country that people's self-government in cities dominates the country's legislation, and the Swiss state ranks first in the world in the number of referenda held in the country.
Article author: Valery Skiba