Happy TravellerWelcome to Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Grisons. Located in the Grisonian Rhine Valley, where the Rhine turns towards the north, Chur is a city steeped in history and culture. With its trilingual identity of German, Romansh, and Italian, Chur is a unique destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of Switzerland.
History:
Chur has a rich history that dates back to the Pfyn culture (3900-3500 BC), making it one of the oldest settlements in Switzerland. The city was conquered by the Roman Empire in 15 BC and became the seat of the first Christian bishopric north of the Alps in the 4th century. Chur suffered several invasions, but it flourished thanks to its location, where the roads from several major Alpine transit routes come together and continue down the Rhine. In the 13th century, the town had some 1,300 inhabitants and was surrounded by a line of walls. In the 14th century, at least six fires damaged or destroyed the monasteries of St. Luzi and St. Nicolai, St. Martins church and twice destroyed much of the town. The Gotteshausbund (League of the House of God) was formed in 1367 in Chur to resist the rising power of the Bishopric of Chur and the House of Habsburg. Chur was the chief town of the League and one of the places the Leagues assemblies met regularly.
Geography and Climate:
Chur is situated at a height of 1,949 ft (594 m) above sea level, on the right bank of the torrent Plessur, just as it issues from the valley Schanfigg, and about a mile above its junction with the Rhine, almost entirely surrounded by the Alps, overshadowed by the Mittenberg (northeast) and Pizoggel (southwest), hills that guard the entrance to the deep-cut valley Schanfigg. Chur has an oceanic climate in spite of its inland position. Summers are warm and sometimes hot, normally averaging around 25 °C (77 °F) during the day, whilst winter means are around freezing, with daytime temperatures being about 5 °C (41 °F).
Things to Do:
Chur offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. The city is home to several museums, including the Rhaetian Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Grisons region, and the Bündner Kunstmuseum, which features a collection of Swiss art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can also explore the Old Town, which is home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, which dates back to the 12th century. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chur is a paradise. The city is surrounded by the Swiss Alps, offering visitors a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Visitors can also take a scenic train ride on the Bernina Express, which travels through the Swiss Alps and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Food and Drink:
Chur is known for its delicious local cuisine, which is a blend of Swiss, Italian, and German influences. Visitors can sample traditional dishes such as Capuns, a dish made with chard leaves and filled with a mixture of flour, eggs, and cheese, and Pizokel, a type of pasta made with flour and potatoes. The city is also home to several wineries, which produce a range of delicious wines that are unique to the region. Visitors can take a wine tour and sample some of the best wines that Chur has to offer.
Conclusion:
Chur is a unique and charming destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the
