Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Historic centre · Chur, Grisões
Altstadt Chur
Chur's old town, almost entirely pedestrian, with the Arcas plaza, colorful houses above the Plessur river, the Obertor gate, fountains and shopping streets.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Altstadt Chur
Chur's old town spreads at the foot of the bishop's quarter, between the station and the Plessur river. Almost entirely pedestrian, it has narrow, winding streets, squares with fountains, houses with painted façades and iron balconies. The city is one of the oldest in Switzerland, originating in a Roman post called Curia, and the street layout dates from the Middle Ages.
The most photographed square is Arcas, a long plaza of colorful houses that on one side sits atop the old city wall and on the other opens onto the Plessur. In summer, restaurant tables fill the square. Nearby, the Obertor is one of the gates that remain of the wall, on the way out to the valley.
Other highlights are the Reichsgasse and the Obere Gasse, shopping streets with old shops; the Regierungsplatz, with the cantonal government building and the obelisk of the Liga Grisã; and Martinsplatz, with the church of São Martinho and its fountain. Around the old town you can still see stretches of the wall and towers.
The whole walk can be done on foot in one to two hours, with stops for cafés and patisseries, and it links the station to the cathedral.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours on foot.
Best time
In the morning on market days, or in the late afternoon when the squares fill up. In summer, outdoor tables occupy Arcas plaza.
How to get there
The old town begins about a 5-minute walk from the train station, following Bahnhofstrasse to Postplatz.
Tip
Follow the markers on the ground of the old town trail, which links the main sites and helps you not get lost in the winding streets.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Altstadt Chur
What to see in Chur's old town?
Arcas square, with colourful houses above the Plessur river, the Obertor gate, the Regierungsplatz, the streets Reichsgasse and Obere Gasse, and the church of São Martinho.
Is the old town of Chur far from the station?
No. It starts about a 5-minute walk away, along Bahnhofstrasse.
Is Chur really one of the oldest cities in Switzerland?
Yes. The city originated as a Roman post called Curia, and the bishopric has existed since the 5th century.