Grossratsgebäude: Chur's Seat of Power

The Grossratsgebäude, located in Chur, is the meeting place for the Grosser Rat, Graubünden's cantonal parliament. The building stands just north of Chur's old town, neighboring the Theater Chur. Constructed between 1861 and 1863, the building initially served as an armory, designed by architect Johannes Ludwig in the Neo-Renaissance style. In 1959, architect Martin Risch oversaw the building's division into separate spaces for the parliament and the theater. A competition was held to design a new entrance, which was won by architect Valerio Olgiati and Tamara Olgiati. Between 2008 and 2009, Olgiati redesigned the entrance area. The Grossratsgebäude is more than just a functional government building; its architecture and historical significance make it a point of interest in Chur. Inside the Grossratsaal, visitors can see 40 coats of arms representing the 39 municipalities and the canton of Graubünden, created in 1960 by Giuseppe Scartezzini.