Perhaps you’ve wondered about the name Zum Froschauer. It seems a simple name at first glance. Yet behind it lies a story of printers and Reformation.
Zum Froschauer is more than just a building. It is a reminder of Zurich’s printing history. This area whispers tales of Christoph Froschauer, a key figure in the Swiss Reformation.
Christoph Froschauer arrived in Zurich around 1515. He worked for Hans Rüegger and quickly made a name for himself. When Rüegger died in 1517 Froschauer married his widow. With her, he took over the printing press. In 1519, Zurich gifted him citizenship. This was a sign of respect for his art.
Froschauer’s printing shop became central to spreading Reformation ideas. One notable event occurred in 1522. Froschauer organized a sausage eating event during Lent. This act challenged the Catholic Church’s fasting rules. It sparked open conflict between Zwingli and the church. This sausage eating was a catalyst. It ignited the Reformation in Zurich.
Froschauer’s press produced many important works. He printed writings by Erasmus von Rotterdam. He printed the works of Luther and especially those of Zwingli. Between 1520 and 1564, his presses churned out around 700 titles. These totaled nearly a million copies. He also operated the city’s paper mill. This ensured a steady supply of paper for his work.
The Froschauer Bible stands as one of his greatest achievements. This Zwinglian Bible translation made scripture accessible. It helped spread reformed ideas to the people. Froschauer’s work was essential to the Reformation’s progress.
The area around Zum Froschauer has a special name. It is called the Froschau. The location of Froschauer’s historical workshop faced the Zähringerplatz.
Christoph Froschauer’s life wasn’t without personal milestones. After his first wife died in 1550, he remarried. His new wife was Dorothea Locher. Froschauer died in 1564. He was a victim of the plague in Zurich. His nephew, Christoph Froschauer the Younger, continued the legacy.
The Froschauer printing business continued after his death. His heirs labeled their products with pride. They were marked as “Gedruckt in der Froschow.” This meant “Printed in the Froschow.”
Even today, Christoph Froschauer is remembered. A genus of frog, Stumpffia, bears his name. This honor occurred in 2020. It links his legacy to the natural world.
So, as you stand before Zum Froschauer. Remember the printer. Remember Christoph Froschauer. His work shaped Zurich and the course of Reformation history.