WINTERTHUR

city, Zrich canton, northern Switzerland. It lies in a wooded basin east of the Tss River, northeast of Zrich city. The Roman settlement of Vitodurum was on the site of the city's northeastern suburb of Ober-Winterthur. Winterthur was founded in about 1175 by the counts of Kyburg, who granted it a charter with extensive privileges. It was inherited in 1264 by the Habsburgs, who sold it to the city of Zrich in 1467. Notable landmarks include the Town Church of St. Laurenz (12641515), the town hall (178183), and the Assembly Hall (186569). Notable among the advanced schools is the Technikum, Switzerland's largest school of technology. The city's Collection Oskar Reinhart am Rmerholz picture gallery and its symphony orchestra are well known. A rail and industrial centre, Winterthur has heavy-engineering works (primarily the firm of the Sulzer Brothers) and also manufactures cotton textiles. Pop. (1988 est.) 84,884.