Hans-Waldmann-Denkmal

The Hans Waldmann Monument in Zurich is a bronze equestrian statue standing in the Old Town at the foot of the Fraumünster church, beside the Münsterbrücke bridgehead on the Limmat. Swiss sculptor Hermann Haller made it to honour one of the most divisive mayors the city has known.

Who was Hans Waldmann?

Hans Waldmann (1435–1489) was a military commander and statesman who rose to great power in late-medieval Zurich. He earned his fame in the Burgundian Wars, when the Swiss Confederates defeated Charles the Bold. As mayor he tried to curb the privileges of the countryside under the city's rule, which angered the farmers. Under their pressure he was put on trial and beheaded in 1489.

What will you see?

The statue shows Waldmann on horseback, portrayed as a general and leader. Haller worked on it from 1933 to 1937, and it was unveiled on 6 April 1937. The guild Zunft zum Kämbel commissioned it to restore the mayor's reputation, since it regarded his execution as a judicial murder. Art historians count it among the last major equestrian monuments in the classical tradition, and critics have pointed to its simplified detail. It rewards a slow walk around the plinth.

Behind it rise the tower and façade of the Fraumünster, while across the river you can see the twin towers of the Grossmünster, which makes this a popular photo spot.

How do you get there?

The monument is in the very centre, a few minutes on foot from Zürich Hauptbahnhof and Bahnhofstrasse. The easiest approach is a riverside walk, or a tram to Helmhaus or Paradeplatz. Admission is free, because the statue stands in public space and can be seen at any hour.

When is the best time to visit?

Morning and late-afternoon light suit photography best. In summer the surroundings are lively with markets and café terraces, while early morning is quieter. Combine the visit with the Fraumünster, famous for its Marc Chagall windows, and a stroll through the Old Town.

What else is nearby?

• the Fraumünster and its cloister,
• Münsterhof, the former guild square,
• the Grossmünster on the opposite bank,
• Limmatquai and the narrow lanes of Niederdorf.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an admission fee? No. The monument stands in the open and is accessible around the clock.

When was it built? Haller worked on it between 1933 and 1937. It was unveiled on 6 April 1937.

Why does Waldmann have a monument? He was a victorious commander in the Burgundian Wars and mayor of Zurich. The Zunft zum Kämbel guild considered his 1489 beheading unjust and funded the statue to rehabilitate him.

What else can I see close by? The Fraumünster with its Chagall windows and the Münsterbrücke are right next to it, and the Grossmünster is visible across the river.