Unlocking Chur’s Old Town

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[{"address":"Bogentrakt","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitude":46.8491274169399,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitude":9.53451870000002},"placeId":"ChIJ70w_4cfHhEcRczKYy22rieo","media":[{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FmBUJAMe5IMAsHXzOF1xg%2FGRF03410-large.jpg?alt=media&token=5b0f726d-559a-43ee-b193-060e706d5a4a","type":"img"},{"content":"You're starting at one of Chur's most unique sites! The Sennhof was a medieval estate belonging to the Bishop of Chur. In 1817, it was transformed into the cantonal prison, a role it served for over 200 years (from 1817 until 2020). It was once a place of isolation, but today it’s a lively creative hub housing our hostel, Bogentrakt, along with apartments, creative studios, and the cozy Kostbar Resturaunt.","type":"text"},{"content":"**Challenge:** Find a spot near the hostel entrance or in the inner courtyard. Strike a pose like you've just successfully 'escaped'","type":"text"},{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FmBUJAMe5IMAsHXzOF1xg%2FGRF03402-large.jpg?alt=media&token=9d2e689b-364e-405b-ad8b-dda468f858ee","type":"img"}]},{"address":"Haldenhüttli","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.16288642481652643,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitude":9.536034600000027,"latitude":46.85030616694057},"placeId":"ChIJ_YOqL3rHhEcRlFZ3-DlxO5c","media":[{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FmBUJAMe5IMAsHXzOF1xg%2FGRF03389-large.jpg?alt=media&token=b0319de4-804c-498a-a066-4246a443137b","type":"img"},{"content":"Panoramic viewpoints like Haldenhüttli have always been significant. Historically, they offered strategic advantages for observing the surrounding landscape, spotting potential threats, or surveying the layout of the town for planning and defense. For residents and visitors alike, they provide a chance to appreciate the beauty of Chur and its setting within the Alpine landscape. Looking out from here, you can trace the historical development of the city, from the tightly clustered Old Town to the more modern expansions beyond. It's a moment to reflect on the centuries of history you've just explored at street level.","type":"text"},{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FmBUJAMe5IMAsHXzOF1xg%2FIMG-20250911-WA0004.jpg?alt=media&token=5cff692a-f43b-4098-9d4e-835fa42719d7","type":"img"},{"content":"**Challenge:** \"Spot the Hostel!\" Try your best to locate your hostel in the view and take a photo with someone pointing towards. Bonus points for a funny expression of anticipation for the adventure!","type":"text"}]},{"address":"Kathedrale St. Mariä Himmelfahrt","location":{"latitude":46.84775356693907,"longitude":9.534967549999989,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":"ChIJ5Rpx-nrHhEcRCZlvv-qUMDc","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/7557849/pexels-photo-7557849.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"The Hof, or Bishop's Court, was for centuries the administrative and residential complex of the Prince-Bishops of Chur, powerful figures who held both spiritual and temporal authority. As you explore this precinct, imagine the bustling activity of bishops issuing decrees and officials managing their lands. Within the Hof's walls stands the impressive Cathedral of the Assumption (Kathedrale St. Mariä Himmelfahrt). This magnificent structure, with origins dating back to the 12th century and later Gothic additions, served as the central place of worship for the diocese and a powerful symbol of the bishop's spiritual authority. Notice how the imposing architecture of both the Hof buildings and the Cathedral reflects the significant influence these institutions held over Chur and the surrounding region for centuries. Take your time to wander through the courtyards, admire the Cathedral's exterior (and interior if accessible), and consider the close relationship between religious and secular power in shaping Chur's history.","type":"text"},{"content":"**Challenge:** Capture a photo of yourself (or your group) performing a curtsy (or a bow)","type":"text"}]},{"address":"Rätisches Museum","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"longitude":9.533540300000002,"latitude":46.84809981693929,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":"ChIJZ7WRhXrHhEcR0BPMbc9dSsc","media":[{"content":"The Rätisches Museum (Raetian Museum) is your gateway to millennia of history, telling the story of Graubünden's past and culture. With the Chur Guest Card, you can gain entry for free! (Just a heads-up: it's closed on Mondays, but open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM). This museum is housed in a beautiful building that was once the private residence of a prominent Chur family, adding another fascinating layer of historical context to its collections. Whether you venture inside or just admire its impressive exterior, this spot offers plenty of inspiration for your challenge!","type":"text"},{"content":"**Challenge:** Get a selfie of yourself or your whole team in front of the building, bonus points for creativity!","type":"text"}]},{"address":"Sankt Martinsplatz","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitude":9.532436949999997,"latitude":46.848193866939354,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757},"placeId":"EiZTdC4gTWFydGluc3BsLiwgNzAwMCBDaHVyLCBTd2l0emVybGFuZCIuKiwKFAoSCQuNMHpwx4RHERk_m5r-IUCoEhQKEglVW_eKdseERxEwHwHXpnhPKw","media":[{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FmBUJAMe5IMAsHXzOF1xg%2Fchurch_Chur.jpg?alt=media&token=8646da59-a4a1-4533-b44f-ed004b08e4cb","type":"img"},{"content":"You're in one of Chur's oldest and most significant spots. This lively square is dominated by the majestic Kirche St. Martin (St. Martin's Church), a 15th-century landmark vital to the city's religious life and the Reformation. St. Martinsplatz itself sits midway between the ancient Obertor and Untertor gates, forming a key part of the historic north-south route through the inner city. Don't miss the Martinsbrunnen (St. Martin's Fountain) from 1716, still largely original with its zodiac-adorned basin. Soak in the atmosphere where history meets daily life!","type":"text"},{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/31522241/pexels-photo-31522241.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"}]},{"address":"Arcas","location":{"longitude":9.531444450000013,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":46.84794596693916},"placeId":"Eh1BcmNhcywgNzAwMCBDaHVyLCBTd2l0emVybGFuZCIuKiwKFAoSCYloSmlwx4RHEX7O6btn7HKHEhQKEglVW_eKdseERxEwHwHXpnhPKw","media":[{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FmBUJAMe5IMAsHXzOF1xg%2FarcasChur.jpg?alt=media&token=d628b90e-70d3-483a-a54a-43104f88734b","type":"img"},{"content":"Welcome to Arcas, a spacious and lively square surrounded by charming buildings with cafes and shops, it's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to gather, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere. Did you know that the row of houses bordering the Plessur river here is built directly onto the medieval town wall from the 13th century? This square has a fascinating blend of old and newer history; Arcas was completely redesigned in 1971, which notably included the creation of an underground parking garage and the uncovering of the historic market square, with architect Theodor Hartmann leading the project.","type":"text"},{"content":"**Challenge:** Record a short video that gives a 360-degree feel of the square, ending with a fun pose! Stand in the center, slowly pan your phone around to show everything, and as you complete the circle, get someone to strike a pose!","type":"text"}]},{"address":"Italienische Brücke","location":{"longitude":9.528536149999987,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitude":46.84817121693933,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":"ChIJc7sqEgDHhEcR2zia6breZ9o","media":[{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FmBUJAMe5IMAsHXzOF1xg%2Fitalienischebr%C3%BCcke.jpg?alt=media&token=28060b6a-8f51-4c77-8a8e-0f9f36791336","type":"img"},{"content":"This isn't just any bridge – it's an award-winning modern marvel that perfectly blends function with sleek, elegant design! Opened in October 2020, the Italian Bridge is a new 77-meter-long cycle and pedestrian bridge, constructed with 175 tons of structural steel and 430 m3 of reinforced concrete. Its gentle, curved path and filigree steel construction create an appealing, almost delicate appearance. Its innovative design earned it the prestigious \"European Award for Steel Structures\" in October 2021!\n\nTip: As you're admiring the views from the bridge, keep an eye out for a cool piece of street art! You can often spot the \"Plessurfischer\" (Plessur Fisherman) mural, created in 2021 by internationally renowned Chur Street-artist Bane. This vibrant artwork depicts Fredy, a local fisherman who was known for his connection to the Plessur river. Bane also did the artworks that you see around Bogentrakt!\n\n","type":"text"}]},{"address":"Fontanapark","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"longitude":9.530829050000014,"latitude":46.84982951694028},"placeId":"ChIJgdzy5nDHhEcRb0Mfl0T-BHE","media":[{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FmBUJAMe5IMAsHXzOF1xg%2Ffontanapark.jpg?alt=media&token=75e67b57-5010-4ad5-a6d6-4e81e375801a","type":"img"},{"content":"Located in the heart of Chur, Fontana Park offers a green oasis from the city's bustle. Restored in 2006, it reflects its original Baroque garden layout from around 1729, now serving as a multi-purpose recreation area. Key features include water elements, fountains, and the Fontana monument. An apsidal tuff grotto closes off the transverse axis, adding an intriguing detail. While plantings are contemporary, the flower parterre retains its original length, and you might spot solitary trees from its 1860 transformation into a landscape garden.\n\nChallenge: Make your most creative photo including your favorite place in the park!\n\n","type":"text"},{"content":"Tour complete! We'd love to see your incredible and fun Chur moments. Share your best photos and videos on your stories or posts, tag us @bogentrakthostel, and you'll be entered to win an awesome surprise!","type":"text"},{"content":"https://www.instagram.com/bogentrakthostel/?hl=de","type":"link","title":"Bogentrakt instagram"}]}]