Picturesque and medieval - that is how the Arcas looks today. Before 1971, however, it was quite a different story, for until then warehouses obscured the square. Architect Theodor Hartmann had these demolished and integrated an underground garage into his new design concept. Nevertheless, the Arcas has still retained its medieval character, for the row of houses extending towards the Plessur river are built onto the old city walls. And these - as can be seen at Arcas 25 - are thought to date from the 13th century. Nowadays, the medieval houses, with the modern open spaces in between, give the square a picturesque touch.

The Arcas is arguably the most beautiful city square in Chur. With its historical town houses and cafes surrounding the open space, it exudes an almost Mediterranean ambiance. During events, the Arcas becomes a picturesque stage in the heart of the Old Town. Of course, there is also a well where you can refresh yourself. The well on Arcas square is made of Gneis rock from the village of Andeer. It is based on the myth about the spirits on Scalära.

The court lies above the old town. Via a staircase and through a gate tower with a Gothic inn you get to a slanted, triangular square flanked on either side by the canons' residences.

On the upper right corner the square is met by the episcopal castle. The western counterpart to the cathedral got its present form during the time of Bishop Joseph Benedict von Rost (in office  1728-54). The complex is built around a central courtyard. The facade with its no more than three window axes is divided into two wide and one narrow central section by ascending pilasters. The lateral parts are topped by gables, the central part by a lucarne-like structure. For the sake of symmetry, the portal on the left-hand side got a counterpart on the right, which is merely the entrance to the carriage shed. The doors are adorned with bronze lion heads holding the door knockers. Doors and windows are decorated with stucco. Joseph Benedict von Rost was originally from South Tyrol, and it is little surprising that his work is heavily influenced by Austrian baroque. The Bishop succeeded in making the building step out of the cathedral's shadow and giving it its own unique character. Nowhere else in Graubünden will you find a sculpted exterior decoration as rich as this.

Reichenau castle lies at the birthplace of the Alpine Rhine, where the two arms of the Rhine join together. Built in the 16th century by the clergy family Schauenstein, the castle looks back on a long and eventful history. At one time it even housed the last King of France.

Today, the historic building serves as a winery for the Tscharner family. Visit and meet wine producer Gian Battista von Tscharner and his smooth, honest wines during a castle tour with wine tasting.