Three Leagues for Life – “500 Years of the Free State of the Three Leagues” Anniversary

On 23 September 1524, the three Leagues of Graubünden united. The event and the specific terms of the union are documented in their letter of alliance, the Bundsbrief. The seals of the Three Leagues, along with those of the Lord of Rhäzüns and the Abbot of Disentis, are attached to this deed, written on parchment and now preserved in the Staatsarchiv Graubünden.

The most important provision of the Bundsbrief stipulates that no league may initiate war without the consent of the others. It also guarantees mutual aid and support, the protection of roads, and free trade. Any disputes among the allies are to be resolved through arbitration. All of this is agreed upon “for eternity”, without a set time limit.

In essence, the alliance was formed by the villages and towns that comprised the Three Leagues. These communities, known as Gerichtsgemeinden (jurisdictional communities), held their own jurisdiction and thus were the true parties to the union of 1524. They also played a central role in the Free State of the Three Leagues, which functioned as an independent political entity from 1524 onwards. Eventually, the canton of Graubünden, which became part of Switzerland, emerged from the Free State.