Chur City Guide
The oldest city in Switzerland, Chur, situated in a deep valley formed by the Rhine has a rich and powerful history and was founded by the Romans in 15BC. This charismatic city has a wealth of shops, stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. It is also a brilliant base from which to explore surrounding destinations such as Arosa and St Moritz.
What to do and see in and around Chur
Old Town
Wander around the cobbled streets of Chur’s old town and it’s easy to feel you have stepped into a time machine and gone back to the Chur of the middle ages. The Old Town is terraced by traditional Churer houses made of Scalära stone.
Chur Cathedral
Presiding over the Old Town, Chur Cathedral dates back to 1151 and is late-Romanesque and Gothic in style. Cut off from the rest of Chur by a gated wall, testimony to the disputes between the people of Chur and the Bishop Princes during the Reformation, Chur Cathedral is well worth a visit.
BündnerKunstmuseum
This substantial villa houses paintings from artists of the Graubünden canton, Angelika Kauffmann and Giovanni and Alberto Giacometti. Kaufmann, one of the founders of the Royal Academy in1768 is best known for Hector in Paris which can be found in the museum.
Kirche St Martin
Another example of Chur’s history is this Gothic Church, built in 1491, which overlooks the square of Arcas. Kirche St Martin has three stunning stained-glass windows crafted by Alberto Giacometti.
Rätisches Museum
Dedicated to the history of Chur, the Rätisches Museum comprises of six floors and contains among other things, arts, crafts pottery and textiles from the area.
Arosa
Arosa lies to the southeast of Chur and makes a beautiful day trip accessible by a scenic rail journey. Whether you go for the hiking or the skiing this atmospheric resort is sure to delight.
Glacier Express
Take the Glacier Express from Chur. This luxurious train journey takes 71/2 hours, and travels from Zermatt to St.Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and going through 91 tunnels as well as traversing the Oberalp pass at a height of 2,033 metres. This classic rail journey voyages through the mountain forests, valleys and streams of this beautiful alpine landscape, you will also be able to see Lake Lucerne.
St Moritz
Take the train from Chur through the stunning scenery of the Hinterrhein valley to the glamorous town of St Moritz, and enjoy the 322 days of sunshine that this romantic ski resort gets on average per year.
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