In the city of Lucerne, central Switzerland

 “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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(in central Switzerland) The city of Lucerne, capital of Lucerne canton, lies on the Reuss River where it issues from the northwestern branch of Lake Lucerne, southwest of Zürich. The city’s name was derived from the Benedictine monastery of St. Leodegar (Luciaria), founded in the 8th century. From the nearby fishing village emerged a city, chartered around 1178, whose inhabitants were originally serfs of the monastery. After the opening of the St. Gotthard Pass (ca. 1230), Lucerne developed into an important trade center between the upper Rhine and Lombardy. In 1291 the monastery and city were purchased by Rudolf IV of Habsburg, against the will of the citizens, who desired independence. Political instability under Rudolf’s successors led Lucerne to join the alliance that had been formed by the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden in 1291. The group won independence after the Battle of Sempach (in 1386) against the Habsburg army. By 1415 Lucerne had acquired most of the territory of the present canton. It became the leader of the Catholic cantons during the Reformation period and was the seat of the papal nuncio from 1579 to 1874. The city’s aristocratic regime was compelled to abdicate in 1798 under the onslaught of the Napoleonic armies. Lucerne was for a time the capital of the Helvetic Republic, resuming its status as the cantonal capital in 1803.

+ Divided into two parts by the Reuss River, which is crossed by seven bridges within the city, Lucerne has one of the most beautiful settings in Switzerland. The 15th-century Spreuerbrücke, now the oldest bridge, is roofed and decorated with some 56 paintings, scenes from the Dance of Death, dating from the early 17th century. Until its destruction by fire in 1993, the 14th-century Kapellbrücke or “Chapel Bridge” (shown here [completely reconstructed]) had been the oldest bridge, and is similarly decorated. The Old Town on the right bank is distinguished by well-preserved 14th-century town walls with nine watchtowers, quaint alleys, and squares with medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque houses.

+:This gorgeous Swiss city's cobalt lake is ringed by mountains of myth. Its well-preserved medieval Altstadt (Old Town) and reputation for making beautiful music, combined with its covered bridges, sunny plazas, candy-colored houses and waterfront promenades, have made it quite a stunning, and deservedly popular destination for tourists -- ever since the likes of Goethe, Queen Victoria, and Wagner savored its views in the 19th century. Legend has it that an angel with a light showed the first settlers where to build a chapel in Lucerne, and today it still has amazing grace.

+ Lucerne doesn’t only dwell on the past, with a roster of music gigs keeping the vibe upbeat. Carnival capers at Fasnacht, balmy summers, golden autumns – this "city of lights" shines in every season.