The unique box-shaped row of lime trees stands before you. This is the Muraltengut a magnificent sight in Zurich. Built between 1777 and 1782 by Johannes Werdmüller it was initially his summer residence. He was the city’s master builder yet faced accusations of incompetence. To prove his skill he built this house using his own plans and innovative machinery. Imagine the discussions in his salon filled with enlightened ideas.
This wasn’t just a summer home it was a stage for bold ideas. Werdmüller defied conventions dressing extravagantly and even carrying a Voltaire book on Sundays. The Muraltengut became a hub for intellectual conversations. It was here that enlightened thinkers gathered sharing groundbreaking thoughts.
The name Muraltengut however came later. In 1825 the property passed to Mayor Hans Konrad von Muralt. His name became permanently linked to this remarkable estate. The 19th and 20th centuries brought changes. The arrival of the railway and lakefillings severed its direct access to the lake. A road project almost led to its demolition in 1924. Luckily Martin Bodmer intervened. He purchased the Muraltengut saving it from destruction. He meticulously renovated it. The house reflects his vision with its neoclassical style.
He’s also responsible for those lime trees. They mark the original shoreline. The meticulous box-shaped trimming is unique to Zurich. It requires annual hand-trimming. This is a testament to both Bodmer’s appreciation for the estate and horticultural skill. The Muraltengut then found a new purpose. Since 1943 it has been owned by the city of Zurich.
It serves as a venue for receiving distinguished guests. Margaret Thatcher Francois Mitterrand Kofi Annan and the Dalai Lama have all been welcomed within its walls. The Muraltengut’s park also holds significant artistic treasures. Sculptures by renowned artists including Karl Geiser Otto Charles Bänninger and Hermann Haller grace its grounds. The park itself holds various styles. Its mix of the late 18th-century Italian Renaissance style and the early 20th-century simple design creates a unique atmosphere of calm and space. There is also a beautiful rose garden with over 5000 roses. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Muraltengut. It remains a place where history art and nature intertwine seamlessly.