ETHZ (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich) was founded in 1854 with the mission to form engineers and scientists. ETHZ and EPFL (École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) are the only two universities in Switzerland that are directly overseen by the Swiss government; all other universities are under the supervision of the cantonal authorities. Some of the most famous alumni of ETHZ are Albert Einstein, John von Neumann and Wernher von Braun.
The ETHZ main building was constructed between 1858 and 1864 to plans by Gottfried Semper. It was extended by Gustav Gull between 1914 and 1925, adding in particular its distinctive cupola.
The Polyterrasse, built in the 1970s, offers beautiful views over the city.
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