Chur is the capital of the Grisons canton and is called the oldest city in Switzerland. The settlement here has continued uninterruptedly since the 1st century BC, and numerous valuable monuments testify to its long history. The city is surrounded by the Rhaetian Alps, and numerous vineyards grow on the hills above the buildings.
The Reta tribe, who were conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC, are considered to be the first inhabitants of the area where Chur is located. The remains of a Roman settlement can be seen at the Roman excavation of Chur. Many objects from this period, as well as from prehistory and later centuries, have the Rhaetian Museum considered one of the most valuable in the city.
After the fall of Rome, Chur remained an important administrative center. Already in the 4th century a bishopric was established here, one of the first to the north of the Alps. Today, one of the most important monuments is the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, where you can admire a beautiful triptych by Jakub Russ and the treasury of the cathedral in Chur, rich in monuments of sacred art.
The Old Town of Chur has kept its medieval layout. Most of the existing buildings were built after the great fire of the city in the 15th century. gothic church of St. Martin, the Courtyard Tower, the Bishops' Palace, the Church of St. Regula or the remains of walls, gates and defensive towers that defended the city against invasions in the Middle Ages.
The main attraction of Chur is the Bernina Express railway line, which is one of the most scenic in Europe. It is included in the UNESCO list, and one of its stations is located in Chur. There are also some interesting museums, such as the Graubunden Art Museum and the Bunder Nature Museum. The Brambrüesch mountain, which can be reached by cable car, is a popular recreational spot. it is also a great vantage point of the surrounding area and the starting point of many trails in the Rhaetian Alps.
