Fontanapark

Fontanapark in Chur is a compact public park in the capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden, tucked behind the cantonal bank and the cantonal court off Grabenstrasse. At roughly 0.4 hectares it is the city's second-largest park, and it makes an easy green pause between the Old Town and the museums.

What will you see at Fontanapark?

The present layout follows the outline of a Baroque garden that stood here before 1860. A flower parterre in front of the old building keeps its original length. Few historical records survive, so the planting is contemporary rather than a strict reconstruction: a modern garden inside a historic footprint.

The landmark beside the park is Villa Fontana, built around 1898–1900 for Jacques Ambrosius von Planta. He was the same patron behind Villa Planta (1874–76), now home to the Graubünden art museum. Villa Fontana started out as a residence combined with a children's home, was altered in 1911 and 1916, and opened as a women's hospital in 1917. Its tower with a cupola and gallery dates from 1911. Look for the Art Nouveau fountain from 1899; inside the building are wall paintings by Hanni Bay.

How do you get there and when should you go?

The park sits in the city centre, a few minutes on foot from the Old Town and the railway station. Chur Tourism lists it as open daily from 7:00 to 21:00, and entry is free. Late spring and summer show the flower beds at their best, while the shaded benches work on hot afternoons.

What else is nearby?

Villa Planta and the art museum are a short walk away, and the other direction leads into the Old Town's narrow lanes. The Stadtgarten, a separate and smaller park of about 0.3 hectares, lies west of the Old Town on Fontanastrasse. Fontanapark is also a stop on a guided city walk run by Chur's city police, which covers both parks.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fontanapark free to visit? Yes, it is a public park open daily, normally 7:00–21:00.

How long does a visit take? Plan 20–40 minutes for a stroll and a rest. Add time if you want to look at Villa Fontana and nearby sights.

Is Fontanapark the same as the Stadtgarten? No. They are two separate parks. The Stadtgarten is west of the Old Town on Fontanastrasse, while Fontanapark is by Grabenstrasse.

Is it a good stop while sightseeing in Chur? Yes. It is quiet, central, and has benches and greenery a few minutes from the main attractions.