In the car-free old town, historic houses adorned with frescoes line the picturesque squares. Anyone who opens their eyes here will be delighted by the countless architectural, artistic and cultural-historical details.
The wine market
For example at the pretty wine market, where the people of Lucerne swore the federal alliance with Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden in 1332. The wine market was also a fish market until the middle of the 16th century. When the two-storey wooden market hall for the sale of meat, bread and leather was demolished in 1841, the square took on its present form. The wine market fountain from 1481 is considered the most beautiful fountain in the city and is the work of Konrad Lux, who worked on it for ten years until its completion. The hexagonal basin was replaced by an octagonal basin in the 16th century. The fountain's base was also worked on several times until sculptor Leopold Häfliger finally chiseled the current fountain base from shell limestone. The original is now in the Historical Museum on Pfistergasse.
The Mühlenplatz
Mühlenplatz, which was only created in the late Middle Ages when a row of houses was demolished, is the largest historical square in Lucerne, covering around 1500 square meters. Excavations around the square have revealed that Mühlenplatz was already used as a settlement area before Lucerne became a city. In the Middle Ages, the quarter was characterized above all by its proximity to the river and the use of water power by means of various mills.
The Kornmarkt and Hirschenplatz
The town built a public department store on the Kornmarkt around 1370. It also served as a granary and was later converted into the town hall. The traditional houses on Hirschenplatz impress with their fascinating and listed façade decorations.
The Kapellplatz
The colorful Fritschi Fountain is located on Chapel Square, where legend has it that the carnival figure "Brother Fritschi" is buried. The fountain base shows the Fritschi family. Above it are masks from the turn of the century before last and the banner bearer, who is enthroned at the top. The carnival begins on Kapellplatz every year on Dirty Thursday and lasts for a week, ending in the early hours of Ash Wednesday.