Lindenhof

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The linden trees of the Lindenhof as seen across the river Limmat.

The Lindenhof of Zürich is the historical site of the Roman castle, and the later Carolingian Kaiserpfalz. It is situated on a hill, to the left of the Limmat.

Panoramic view from the Lindenhof

Roman tombstone

In 1747, a 2nd century Roman tombstone was discovered at the site, bearing the oldest attestation of Turīcum, the Roman era name of Zürich, as STA[tio] TURIC[ensis], at the time a tax collecting point. The castle remained intact during the early phase of Alemannic immigration in the 5th to 6th century, but was derelict by the 9th century, when it was rebuilt as a residence for Louis the German, which was in turn dilapidated and used as a quarry by the 13th century.

Lindenhof fountain with a statue commemorating the 1291 defense of the town by the women of Zürich against Albert I of Germany.

The 1798 oath on the constitution of the Helvetic Republic

The Lindenhof remained a place of civil assembly into modern times. In 1798, the citizens of Zürich swore the oath on the constitution of the Helvetic Republic on the Lindenhof.

In the 19th century, the Masonic Lodge Modestia cum Libertate was built at the southern end of the square.