In The Third Man, Orson Welles's Harry Lime claims that Switzerland's only contribution to civilization is the cuckoo clock. But surely he meant to include numbered bank accounts and chocolate as well. If you don't have what it takes to open an account, you can still probably afford the chocolate, and none is better than that offered at Lindt Master Chocolatier in Copley Square. Founded in Zurich in 1845, Lindt has helped propel Switzerland to the forefront of world chocolate artistry with toothsome goodies ranging from its basic chocolate bar to the exquisitely sculpted morsels in its 14.4-ounce Swiss Tradition De Luxe box. And as you work your way through your four-plus-pound Ultimate Jar, a vase containing 180 succulent assorted truffles, just think of all the cancer-fighting antioxidants you're consuming. What's the advantage of buying your chocolates at Lindt as opposed to the local CVS? "Freshness and quality," says store assistant manager Teresa Harris. "We keep strict control of freshness and quality to guarantee the finest product possible."

Lindt Master Chocolatier, 704 Boylston Street, Boston, (617) 236-0571; www.lindt.com.