Remains of Roman Castle on Lindenhof

Passersby may not always notice Lindenhof, though things get a little more interesting when you learn that a Roman castle once stood here. On your left, take a look at the gravestone against the wall. Here lies Lucius Aelis Urbicus, resting in this spot since the 2nd century. Discovered in 1747, this tombstone is quite symbolic as it’s actually the first mention of Zurich’s latin name, in the adjective form of Turicum. You probably can’t read latin, so let me translate this for you: “Here lies Lucius Aelius Urbicus, who lived one year, five months, and five days. Unio, a freedman of the Emperor, head of the Zurich customs post of the Gallic customs, and Aelia Secundina, the parent of the beloved son”. This is a replica—the original is housed in the Swiss National Museum and therefore protected from any degradation.