City Hall
Lucerne | Building
Built from 1602-06, the Town Hall is a must-see during your visit to Lucerne. It is surrounded by a set of unparalleled historical elements. Be sure to admire this building from every angle.
Located on the Kornmarkt (grain market), the Town Hall hugs the tower which shows signs of medieval construction and a huge clock faces the square while another one is on the opposite side facing the river.
Subject ID: 162508
MoreBuilt from 1602-06, the Town Hall is a must-see during your visit to Lucerne. It is surrounded by a set of unparalleled historical elements. Be sure to admire this building from every angle.
Located on the Kornmarkt (grain market), the Town Hall hugs the tower which shows signs of medieval construction and a huge clock faces the square while another one is on the opposite side facing the river.
The contrasting colors of the clock attract attention. Notice that a single-arm indicates the time and has, at its end, a sun and a moon. The city clocks are an attraction in themselves. You can find out more at Zytturm where an exhibition presents the various historical clocks of the city. This version dates from 1788. The tower was used as an observatory, as a prison and as a dungeon. I invite you to see the arched double doors with latticed windows on the part of the tower overlooking Furrengasse. Although different, it strangely reminds me of the “what’s the password” scene from a Disney movie, Tangled.
The main entrance to the town hall is on the Kornmarkt. Note the detail above the door having the Corinthian style columns, the carvings signifying justice and moderation and the two lions facing each other as a tour de force to protect the central part which shows the coat of arms of the city. It has spectacular details but it is somewhat camouflaged when looking at the entire work.
The town hall also has its back to the Reuss River, on the Rathausquai, in a completely different and almost unrecognizable style. There are four levels to the building. The ground level has an arcade style providing shade to pedestrian. On the second level the details of the stone work around the frame of the arched windows is well defined on a smooth wall. The windows on the third level are rectangular, and finally, there are skylights found on the fourth level.
A pedestrian bridge is near the town hall that bears his name.
Subject ID: 162508
Subject ID: 162508
