Vorstadt

Northeastern Switzerland

Schaffhausen is often nicknamed the Erkerstadt because of its 171 Erker (oriel bay windows), once a status symbol of rich merchants. Some of the most impressive line up along Vorstadt, including the 17th-century Zum Goldenen Ochsen, whose frescoed facade displays an eponymous Golden Ox. The frescos of the 16th-century Zum Grossen Käfig present an extraordinarily colourful tale of the parading of Turkish sultan Bajazet in a cage by the triumphant Mongol leader Tamerlane.

A block east, the eye-catching Haus zum Ritter, built in 1492, boasts a detailed Renaissance-style fresco depicting a knight.

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Nearby Northeastern Switzerland attractions

1. Zum Grossen Käfig

0.03 MILES

The frescos of 16th-century Zum Grossen Käfig present an extraordinarily colourful tale of the parading of Turkish sultan Bajazet in a cage by the…

2. Zum Goldenen Ochsen

0.04 MILES

The 17th-century Zum Goldenen Ochsen has a frescoed facade displaying an eponymous Golden Ox.

3. Mohrenbrunnen

0.11 MILES

The 16th-century Mohrenbrunnen (Moor's Fountain) marks the north end of the old marketplace. The polychrome statue shows the Moorish king Caspar, one of…

4. Fronwagplatz

0.14 MILES

At the very heart of the Altstadt lies this square, flanked by ornate facades. The 16th-century Mohrenbrunnen marks the northern end of the old…

5. Metzgerbrunnen

0.14 MILES

Marking the southern end of Fronwagplatz, the 16th-century Butcher's Fountain depicts a gallant-looking soldier bearing a sword and a shield emblazoned…

6. Herrenstube

0.16 MILES

The late-baroque Herrenstube was built in 1748 and was once the drinking hole of quaffing nobles.

7. Haus zum Ritter

0.16 MILES

The eye-catching Haus zum Ritter, built in 1492, boasts a detailed Renaissance-style fresco depicting a knight.

8. Herrenacker

0.21 MILES

Framed by pastel-coloured houses with steep tiled roofs, this is one of Schaffhausen’s prettiest squares. In August it’s an atmospheric backdrop for music…

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