Lindenhof, Public square in Zurich, Switzerland

Lindenhof is a public square set on a hill in the old town of Zurich, Switzerland. It features a wide gravel surface shaded by leafy trees, bordered by historic buildings with white walls and dark tiled roofs, and offers a view over the Limmat river and the city.

The hill was the site of a Roman fort in the 4th century and later a Carolingian palace. After the palace was demolished in 1218, the area became a public park, and it has been used for recreation and gatherings ever since.

Under the linden trees, locals gather around stone tables to play chess, a tradition that continues today. The square also hosts pétanque tournaments and theater performances, and its name refers to the linden trees that have long shaded the area.

The square is reached on foot through narrow streets of the old town, and the climb is rewarded with open space and benches. It is a public area open at all times, with a playground and accessible toilet nearby, making it a convenient stop during a walk through the center.

A copy of a Roman tombstone found on the hill is set into the wall along the stairs, bearing the name Turicum, the Roman name of Zurich. The original is kept in the Swiss National Museum.