Luzern (Lucerne in English!) was the home of origin for Mom's father's family and it is another gorgeous Swiss city so we had lots of reasons to drive there today - and we weren't disappointed! We couldn't have asked for better weather either - sunny, warm but with enough of a breeze that it wasn't too hot.
The drive was a treat - what scenery! I love the lushness of the hills and the texture the cows create as they "terrace" the hillsides while they climb and feed.
It's no wonder that Luzern was once "the" place to visit while on a Grand Tour! A stunning setting with a panorama of mountains mirrored in Lake Luzern! The city feels light and airy and seemed to sparkle. 
Like so many of the old European cities, the old section of Luzern is made up of a warren of cobbled streets and quaint old buildings. The buildings here were particularly interesting as many of them were painted with frescoes, medieval or historical scenes or geometric patterns.
There were several magnificent and opulent churches which also seemed brighter compared some of the darker and more sombre ones I have seen.
Franziskanerkirche
Hofkirche - St. Leodegar
I was surprised that there was a Jesuit and a Franciscan church. I always think of them as austere and simple. These were anything but!
Jesuitenkirche
St. Leodegar
Franziskanerkirche
And I'm now beginning to expect at least one fountain in any community I visit! This first fountain shows Fritschi, a legendary character associated with spring and joy. He is celebrated at Fasnacht, a spring festival in Luzern.
I love the spouts!
but I didn't notice the ones on this fountain until AFTER I took the photo!! I just liked the fountain and the building in the background!Ewwww!!!!
People were stopping to wash their hands or fruit they had and bikers would fill up their water bottles. I'm not sure I would chance drinking from them - no matter how delightful they are!!
Mom's maiden name "Reesor" comes from the Swiss "Reuss" ("Royce") as in the Reuss River which flows through Lucerne and into Lake Geneva. Lunch by the river and crossing the Reuss Bridge was a treat for Mom...and Dad and me too!
Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge) is a 14th century bridge that spans the Reuss River and was part of the town's fortification. The windows on the lake side of the bridge are smaller to provide more cover for the defenders. It is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe
and has 17th century paintings depicting the history of Lucerne and the lives of St. Leodegar and St. Mauritius - the town's patron saints.
Part of the bridge burned in 1993 when a pleasure boat moored underneath caught fire. Many of the paintings were charred or destroyed as a result.
The Spreuerbrucke (Mill Bridge) is a second covered bridge across the Reuss and was built in 1408. 
It too has painted panels but with a more macabre theme - The Dance of Death!
We were reluctant to leave this charming and captivating city and tomorrow we say goodbye to Switzerland. The people have been warm and friendly, the scenery has been breathtaking and my roots feel even more firmly planted here!
