122km (76 miles) SE of Zurich, 59km (37
miles) W of Davos
The capital of the Grisons, Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland.
According to recent excavations, the area had been inhabited as early as
3000 B.C. The Romans established a settlement in 15 B.C., naming it Curia
Rhaetorum. In 450 B.C., a recently Christianized Chur became the see of a
bishop. The town still has a bishop, but he no longer has the power of his
medieval predecessors, who ruled virtually every aspect of life in Chur
until 1526.
Set at an elevation of 586m (1,955 ft.), Chur lies near the head of the
Rhine Valley, surrounded by towering mountains. The Plessur River, a
tributary of the Rhine, flows through the center of town. Chur is at the
natural junction of several of the most important routes from Italy over the
alpine passes and as a result incorporates both Italian and Rhaetian
influences.
Favored by visitors, who appreciate the wilderness surrounding it, Chur is
the largest mercantile center between Zurich and Milan. It's also an
important rail center, a terminal for several of the most scenic railway
lines in Switzerland: the narrow-gauge rail line to St. Moritz (the Rhätische
Bahn), the Chur-Arosa line, the Glacier Express, the Palm Express, and the
Bernina Express. You might also go to Splügen, said to have the
prettiest mountain-pass village in the area.
Chur
also offers a variety of sports facilities. Summer sports include hiking,
and mountain biking. A pair of swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, lies
within the Sportanlagen Obere, as well as a gymnasium and health club.
In the winter, skiers in and around Chur have access to the top 20 ski
areas surrounding Chur, some of which reach 2,700m (9,000 ft.) and are only
1 1/2 hours away.
Chur's Old Town is best discovered on foot. City officials have made it
easy for you by imprinting red-and-green footprints on its sidewalks to help
you on your way. The route outlined by the city is the most scenic and most
historic. You travel at your own pace, just following in the footsteps of
others. In addition, the tourist office provides guided tours that depart
from the tourist office every Wednesday at 2:30pm, but only between April
and October.
Attractions :
The Cathedral of Chur,Hof 19 was built between 1151 and1282 on an ancient
foundation and was renovated extensively in the 19th century.Inside ,the
high alter displays a 15th- century gilded wood triptych in the Gothic
style,the largest of its kind in Switzerland.Near the cathedral , the
baroque Bishop's palace,which is not open to the public ,was built in 1732
and is still the private residence of a bishop.The palace opens onto
Hofplatz -- site of Roman fort.
Kuntsmuseum , known as the Villa Planta ,this museum,set in a park,displays
paintings and sculptures by many wellknown Grisons artists.Some of the
works are by Giovanni,Segantini,Angelica Kauffmann,Ferdinand Hodler and Cuno
Amiet,as well as by Alberto and Augusto Giacometti.Also there is work by
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880 - 1938),the German painter and leader of Bruke
school of expessionists.
Rhaetissches Museum ,Loaded with memorabilia from the town's (and the
region's history),this folklore museum is one of the best places in the
district for an insight into the harsh climate and agrarian origin of the
Grisons.
Accommodation :
Duc de Rohan ****
Hotel Freieck ***
Hotel Chur ***
Hotel Drei Konige ***
Restaurants in Chur :
| Name |
Cuisines |
| Duc de Rohan |
Swiss/German /Austrian |
| Hotel Stern Restaurant |
Swiss / German /Austrian |
| Thw Weinstube in the Hotel Drei Konige |
Swiss / German /Austrian |
| Zunfthaus Rabluta |
Continental |
