Exploring St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral

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Inside the cathedral, you will find a magnificent high altar created by the famous artist Jakob Russ. This late Gothic masterpiece was completed in 1492 and remains one of the most important in Switzerland. The interior also features beautiful ceiling paintings and ancient stone carvings from the early medieval period. Follow a St. Luzi Cathedral walking tour to discover more about this site's deep religious history.

The cathedral is easily accessible by walking up the gentle slope from the main Old Town area. You should wear comfortable shoes as the path consists of traditional stone steps and narrow paved walkways. Many visitors spend at least forty minutes admiring the intricate details found within the quiet side chapels. Remember to remain quiet as this site is still an active place of worship for locals.

The Historic Bishop’s Palace and Courtyard

The Bishop's Palace sits directly next to the cathedral and serves as a symbol of local power. This grand building features a striking Baroque facade that was added during the middle of the 18th century. It remains the official residence of the Bishop of Chur but the courtyard is open to pedestrians. You can walk through the large gates to see the impressive architecture from a closer perspective.

The inner courtyard displays various coats of arms that represent the history of the local ruling bishops. These colorful symbols are carved directly into the stone walls and tell stories of past political influence. It is an excellent spot for photography because the surrounding buildings create a perfectly framed historical scene. This location is a highlight within any historical Chur walking tour guide for 2026 travelers.

Walking around the palace exterior allows you to see the contrast between different centuries of Swiss construction. The lower foundations date back much further than the decorative upper floors seen by visitors today. Most people visit the palace and the cathedral together because they are located in the same district. Expect to spend about twenty minutes exploring the public areas of this magnificent and historic residence.

Walking Through Arcas Square and Old Town

Arcas Square is arguably the most picturesque location within the entire car-free Old Town of Chur. It was once a busy cattle market where farmers gathered to trade goods and local livestock centuries ago. Today, the square is surrounded by colorful medieval houses that have been restored to their original beauty. You will find several charming cafes with outdoor seating where you can enjoy the historic view.

The square serves as a central hub for many different Old Town Chur walking routes available to tourists. From here, you can easily reach the Town Hall and the various historic guild houses nearby. The narrow alleys leading away from Arcas Square are filled with small boutiques and traditional Swiss craft shops. It is the perfect place to experience the authentic daily life of this ancient alpine city.

The buildings around the square feature unique painted signs that indicate their original purpose from the medieval era. You should look up to see the ornate window shutters and decorative flower boxes on every floor. Walking through this area feels like stepping back in time because there are no modern vehicles allowed. This makes it a safe and relaxing environment for families and solo travelers to explore together.

Discovering Roman Ruins and Ancient History

Chur was known as Curia during the Roman era and served as an important military and trade outpost. You can still see the foundations of ancient Roman buildings in the Welschdörfli area of the city. These ruins are protected by modern structures designed by the famous Swiss architect Peter Zumthor in 1986. They provide a fascinating look at how the city began over two thousand years ago.

To see the interior of these ruins, you must obtain a special key from the local museum. This unique system allows visitors to explore the archaeological site at their own pace without large crowds. You will see ancient wall fragments and floor heating systems that the Romans used for their comfort. This experience is a vital part of any Roman ruins walking tour in Chur.

The walk from the main train station to the Roman ruins takes approximately fifteen minutes through flat streets. You will pass by several other historic markers that explain the transition from Roman to medieval times. The admission fee is very affordable and helps support the ongoing preservation of these fragile historic sites. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the deep roots of European civilization.

Seeing the Remaining Medieval City Walls

Chur was once a fortified city protected by thick stone walls and several tall defensive watch towers. Today, the Obertor tower remains the most famous gate and serves as a beautiful entrance to town. This four-story tower features a large clock and was originally built to defend the southern city border. It is one of the most photographed historical landmarks to see walking in Chur during 2026.

• The Obertor Tower: A southern gate featuring medieval masonry and a historic clock face.
• The Sennhoff Tower: A former prison tower that now stands as a reminder of local law.
• The Malteser Tower: Located near the upper gate and offering views of the surrounding mountains.

You can walk along the path where the original city walls once stood to see these structures. While much of the wall was removed to allow for city growth, the towers remain in excellent condition. The walk between the Obertor and the other towers takes about twenty minutes through very quiet residential streets. This route provides excellent views of the nearby mountains that tower over the historic city center.

The towers are not usually open for interior tours but the exteriors are well-preserved and highly detailed. You can see the different layers of stone used during various periods of construction over the last centuries. Many visitors enjoy walking this route during the early evening when the towers are beautifully illuminated by spotlights. It is a free activity that offers a great sense of the city's former defensive power.