04 Extra Traces of Roman life in Chur The year 1902 saw the first excavations of Roman building structures at the Market Hall Square (Markthallenplatz) in Chur – the canton’s very first archaeological research carried out in accordance with scientific criteria.Photo: Archaeological Office Graubünden + In 1922 the remains of a Roman hot air heating system (hypocaust) also came to light. Evidence of Roman heating technology suggests that the small town of Curia enjoyed a certain wealth.Photo: Archaeological Office Graubünden + To this day, approx. 25 foundations of Roman buildings have been discovered in Chur. There was a market and a public bath, possibly also a theatre and a temple, although the exact size of the Roman town of Curia is not yet known (in German).Image: Roman foundations found in the part of Chur known as Welschdörfli, Graph: Raetian Museum + In 1975 Roman murals came to light showing Mercury, the Roman god of trade. Clearly visible is his herald’s staff. The room thus decorated may have served as a meeting place for merchants.Photo: Archaeological Office Graubünden + Parts of Roman excavations were given a protective roof cover in 1986 built by the Grison architect Peter Zumthor. The excavations are open to the public and may be seen individually. The key is available from reception of the Raetian Museum.Photo: Archaeological Office Graubünden + The excavation site on the area Ackermann inside the protective construction.Photo: Archaeological Office Graubünden +