Lostallo: Cultural History and Routes

Lostallo is a village and political municipality in the Italian-speaking part of the Swiss canton of Graubünden and belongs to the Moesa region. Its cultural history and landscape give a stay here a variety of highlights, including historic churches, a group of rural buildings, dry-stone walls, chestnut forests, and routes for cycling and walking. When choosing a hotel, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip—such as architectural history, a particular route, or an outdoor activity.

Rural Heritage and Church History

In the village of Campagna de Cabiè is i Stall de Cabiè, a group of thirteen rural buildings of historic, cultural, and landscape value. The ensemble is included in the national inventory of protected sites at the highest classification level. The number of buildings and their classification make this group a clearly defined part of Lostallo’s local history; at the same time, it is distinct from the individual churches and their furnishings.

The parish church of S. Giorgio was first mentioned in 1219, remodelled in the 17th century, and renovated from 1939 to 1941. Chiesa San Giorgio contains some old frescoes as well as a processional banner painted on both sides, dating from 1611. Chiesa San Nicolao in Lostallo was consecrated in 1611 and has three stucco altars dating from 1767. Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo was consecrated on 10 April 1633; the chapel of S. Maria Assunta in Sorte dates from 1611. These dates represent different aspects of history: first mention, remodelling, renovation, consecration, and furnishings are each distinct milestones.

A Landscape of Walls, Forest, and Floodplain

The dry-stone walls above Lostallo are an architectural feature of its hilly landscape. Chestnut forests are part of the village’s natural landscape. Another landscape feature is the Rosera floodplain, which is associated with the protection of floodplain areas of national importance. The Val d’Arbola is home to a hydroelectric power station and a reservoir; the power station uses the Moesa’s left-bank tributaries. The landscape therefore encompasses wooded and hilly areas, floodplain protection, and the use of water for energy.

Routes and Activities to Consider

The Mesolcina Bike mountain-biking route runs from the San Bernardino Pass to Lostallo. The 10k Lostallo route is laid out differently: it is a relatively flat ten-kilometre loop around Lostallo that passes through Lostallo, Cabbiolo, and Sorte. Much of it follows agricultural tracks. The routes therefore have different features: Mesolcina Bike focuses on the pass and destination, while the 10k Lostallo is described as a loop with a stated distance.

The Via San Bernardino also has its own stage description. Its second stage passes through the picturesque villages of Sorte, Lostallo, and Cabbiolo before reaching Soazza. You can therefore consider this route alongside the loop if you would like to link several villages on one stage. For an outdoor activity in Lostallo, Paintball Mesolcina offers paintball. From the Lostallo, Posta bus stop, the provider can be reached on foot in about ten minutes, or by walking just over 900 metres south. Check the directions and availability before setting out.

Find Hotels to Suit Your Travel Plans

When searching for hotels in Lostallo, having a clear travel plan can help you narrow down your options. Consider whether you are mainly interested in historic buildings or would like to include a route in your plans.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: San Vittore Gr, Verdabbio, Soazza, Castaneda Gr, Selma, Roveredo, Cama, Rossa Gr

Return to the main travel overview: Moesa.