Culture at the Episcopal Court

Culture at the Episcopal Court
1,600 years of ecclesiastical cultural history!

Culture at the Episcopal Court

The Episcopal Court was already settled in pre-Roman times. During the transition from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages, it became the bishop’s see. A visit to the Cathedral and the Cathedral Treasure Museum provides a fascinating insight into almost 1,600 years of ecclesiastical cultural history.

Cathedral

The late Romanesque building is a cultural monument of national importance and was consecrated in 1272 after a construction period lasting more than a century. Besides the architectural sculptures, its richly decorated interior, fixtures and furnishings are particularly noteworthy.

Repository

The cultural assets of the Cathedral Foundation are stored in a repository building, which the public can visit on guided tours (5-8 persons, only german). The repository is also accessible for scientific purposes.

Knight’s Hall

The Knights’ Hall, dating from the mid-17th century, is the largest room in the Episcopal Palace and still serves as a prestigious reception room today. The bishops portrait gallery in the hall is a highlight of the Palace’s cultural history.

Episcopal Archive

The Chur Episcopal Archive records the ecclesiastical life of the Diocese of Chur, which has been documented since 451. From the 8th/10th century onwards, valuable archive material on the history of the around 1,600 year-old diocese is stored here, appropriately registered and organised.

Hofkellerei restaurant

The newly renovated Hofkellerei restaurant with its Gothic tavern is situated in the Episcopal Palace, more precisely in the gate tower. The Tower Room in the oldest restaurant in Chur seats 60 persons and is the perfect place to celebrate special occasions.

Church of St. Luzi

In the 8th century, a triapsal church dedicated to the patron saint of the Diocese of Chur, St. Luzius, was built on the rocky foundation of its early medieval predecessor. The ring crypt of this building has been preserved. The church is part of the St. Luzi Seminary.

Church of St. Stephan

The underground church St. Stephan is one of the most important architectural monuments of early Christianity in Graubünden: built in the 5th century, it served as the burial church for the Bishops of Chur. Rediscovered in 1850 during the construction of the first cantonal school, it has been open to the public since 2010.

Mittelalterland

Welcome to the thrilling medieval game, Mittelalterland, which in several stages brings to life the rich cultural heritage of the Middle Ages in the valleys of Graubünden. Start at the Episcopal Palace with the puzzle relating to the Cathedral and Cathedral Treasure Museum. Another stage can be found at the Rhaetian Museum. (In German only).

Experience culture

Would you like to learn more about the cultural heritage of the Episcopal Palace on a public tour? Take part in a guided tour of the Cathedral Treasure Museum, the Cathedral or the Church of St Stephan. We wish you much fun delving into almost 1,600 years of the Diocese’s history!