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Winterthur City Guide Stadthaus (Town Hall) designed by Gottfried Semper

Sightseeing / Landmarks

Gothic church (built 1264-1515)

Old timber framed house

Concerts & Festivals

• Afro-Pfingsten, world music festival (2006: June 1st-5th)

Theatre

Stadttheater

Museums

Local History

• The Roman castellum Vitodurum is first mentioned in 294 A.D., but abandoned during the migration of nations in the 5th century.
• The counts of Kyburg reside near Winterthur and control most of eastern Switzerland during the Middle Ages. They establish several towns during the 12th century, among them Winterthur and Frauenfeld.
• When the last count of Kyburg dies without children, the counts of Habsburg become masters of Winterhur in 1264. On St. Alban's day (June, 22th) the rights of the city are confirmed.
• In 1415 the members of the old Swiss confederacy conquer the native territories of Habsburg (today canton Aargau). Winterthur becomes a free city for some time, but returns under the rule of Habsburg in 1442.
• In 1460 the Swiss confederacy conquers the territories of Habsburg east of Winterthur (today canton Thurgau). The counts of Habsburg are forced to hand over the city of Winterthur to the city of Zurich in 1467.
• Winterthur remains under Zurich's control until 1798 (Swiss Revolution).
• During the 19th century, Winterthur becomes a center of mechanical industry: Rieter (textile machines), SLM (Swiss locomotive works) and Sulzer (diesel engines for ships). Though the transformation from industrial production to post-industrial services has affected textile and mechanical industries particularly heavily, one may still see classical 19th century industrial buildings made from red brick stones right at Winterthur's main railway station.
• Politically, Winterthur is a strong base of the democratic movement challeging the dominance of a small group of entrepreneurs and bankers in the second half of the 19th century. Thanks to this movement, Switzerland has developed it's unique political system of direct democracy featuring frequent referendums.
• See also: general Swiss history

Local Traditions

• The Albani-Fest has a century old tradition and reminds of the confirmation of the liberties of the city by the counts of Habsburg on St. Alban's day June, 22th 1264. While the citizens got a free meal (bread, cheese and wine) until 1866, they have to pay for the festivities nowadays, but the offer has been extended and reflects the multicultural urban society: There are all kinds of music performances (Jazz, Rock, Pop, Folklore), cuisine specialities from dozens of countries, merry-go-rounds and roller-coasters.

Excursions

Winterthur Tourist Office