Things To Do in Chur

You'll want to spend as much time as possible in Chur to see the legacies left by the many emperors, kings, armies, and traders who have marched through here. In the medieval sector, you'll come across squares with flower-bedecked fountains and narrow streets, along with elegant houses and many towers.

The cathedral of Chur, Hof 19 (for information, call the tourist office at tel. 081/252-18-18), was built between 1151 and 1282 on an ancient foundation and was extensively altered in the 19th century. The last major overhaul occurred here in 2007. Inside, the high altar displays a 15th-century gilded-wood triptych in the Gothic style, the largest of its kind in Switzerland.

Near the cathedral, the baroque Bishop's Palace, which is not open to the public, was built in 1732 and is still the private residence of a bishop. The palace opens onto Hofplatz -- site of a Roman fort.

The hot spot in town is Giger Bar, Comercialstrasse 23 (tel. 081/253-75-06; www.hrgiger.com). The Oscar-winning H. R. Giger, a native of Chur and set designer on the movie Alien, was responsible for creating this 1980 bar and disco with its starship Enterprise aura.