The Ritter Palace

The imposing Renaissance palace before you is one of Lucerne’s most iconic buildings. It was built in the 1550s, when most of the city’s houses were made of wood. The locals were understandably stunned by this luxurious stone construction. A man called Luc Ritter commissioned the building, who had just returned from Italy, where magnificent palaces were the norm. About to become Lucerne’s mayor and hold the highest political office in the city, Ritter decided he deserved a grand palazzo. He brought in stonemasons from northern Italy and hired architect Giovanni Lynzo to create a Florentine-style Renaissance palace that reflected his social status. According to legend, neither of the two men lived to see the final result. Lynzo was accused of heresy and sentenced to be burned at the stake. On the way to his execution, he reportedly shouted to Ritter that they’d meet again on Judgment Day. Believe it or not — Ritter died the next day! The city took over the project and handed the completed building to the Jesuits, who had just established their college nearby in 1577. They used the palace as a residence. In the early 19th century, the city reclaimed the building to house its administration. The palace is home to Lucerne’s cantonal administration to this day. It also serves other purposes, like hosting exhibitions and cultural events. If you’re here during office hours, feel free to step inside—the inner courtyard is open to the public and well worth a look!