Things to see and do Chur

Swiss-German author Johanna Spyri's little mountain girl Heidi reminds us of our childhood. This lively, mischievous little girl embodies freedom, nature, family values and friendship. At the top of the village of Maienfield in the pastures, you'll wander through Heidi's grandfather's cottage, the school and the farm. Cheese-making and herbal discovery workshops punctuate the visit in summer.

Located in the beautiful Haus Buol, the Rhaetian Museum tells the story of the town. It brings together archaeological, cultural and folkloric objects from the canton, covering periods from prehistory, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque and the ^19th century, right up to the ^20th century. The permanent exhibition is divided into several sections on different levels: archaeological discoveries, power and politics, the world of work, faith and knowledge.

Two completely different buildings make up the Museum of Fine Arts. One is very modern with concrete ornaments reminiscent of the fresco of the first building. The Bündner Kunstmuseum dates from the 1900s and tells the story of the life of the inhabitants of Graubünden. The culture and traditions of the local people are highlighted. Collections of Swiss artists from the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the works of Angelika Kauffmann, illustrate the beautiful mansion.

Archaeologists have found an apse dating from the^5th century on its site, which attests to a religious life. It was built between 1151 and 1272 in the late Romanesque style. It is nevertheless the only Episcopal church in Switzerland. Inside, the cathedral contains architectural and decorative treasures with two large, richly decorated and gilded triptychs, as well as a Roman well, which is over 800 years old. Among the treasures, you will appreciate the altars, the frescoes and the organs. The church has the privilege of having been preserved like all the buildings of the bishopric.

The town hall is worth a visit above all for its magnificent colonnaded and rib-vaulted courtyard. It was built in 1465 in the late Gothic style after the terrible fire that devastated the city of Chur in 1464. Before that, there were three different parts of the building and it was decided to unify the building during the reconstruction. It has some beautiful rooms from the Renaissance period, notably the Ratssaal or Council Chamber (1494), decorated with carved medallions on the ceiling. One of the most unusual objects is the tower stove in the Great Council Chamber.