Bishop's Castle, Episcopal palace on cathedral hill in Chur, Switzerland.
Bishop's Castle is a medieval stone building perched on a hill above Chur, featuring multiple stories, defensive towers, and reinforced walls. The structure commands the landscape from above with its layered design and fortified appearance.
The building emerged during the Middle Ages as the seat of bishops who ruled extensive territories as feudal princes in Graubünden. Over centuries it was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded, with each phase reflecting the increasing power and responsibilities of its inhabitants.
The residence served as a seat of religious authority for centuries and shaped the spiritual identity of the Graubünden region. Visitors can sense this legacy through the spaces where influential clergy once lived and made decisions that affected the entire valley.
The interior is open to visitors from Tuesday through Saturday between April and October, with guided tours available in German and English. Wear sturdy shoes as the stairs are steep and the floor levels change throughout the building.
The north tower houses a collection of medieval manuscripts and documents that reveal how Christianity developed in eastern Switzerland across many generations. These writings tell the story of monks and bishops who lived and worked during that era.
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