Discover Santa Maria in Calanca

Santa Maria in Calanca is a municipality in the Moesa region of the canton of Graubünden. The village is in Switzerland, on a terrace above the Misox, at an altitude of around 949 m above sea level. Its Mediterranean climate is also reflected in its abundance of chestnut trees. Above the village, the medieval Torre Santa Maria tower and the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta define the rocky hilltop.

Village History and Views

From the rocky hilltop, with its tower and parish church, there are exceptional views of the Bassa Mesolcina and the surrounding mountains. Torre Santa Maria was built in the late 13th or early 14th century. The pentagonal keep was inspired by architectural models from north-central France. Its commanding position above the Misox Valley was part of a system of territorial control. The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta has been documented since 1219. Santa Maria itself was the religious and political center of the entire Calanca Valley.

The layout of the original village is also part of its historic character: stone buildings are linked by a dense network of paved footpaths. The Chapel of Sant’Antonio de Bolada lies along a path that branches off from Via Calanca and leads from Santa Maria to Braggio. It was rebuilt between 2000 and 2004 while preserving its original structure. Advance registration is required for a guided tour of Santa Maria’s historic buildings.

Hiking Trails and Stages

The routes around Santa Maria differ in length, stage structure and high points. The first stage of Via Calanca runs from Grono to Santa Maria and is 4 km long. The Sentiero Alpino Calanca follows official T3-rated trails from San Bernardino to Santa Maria. This trail requires sure-footedness, a head for heights, good physical fitness and knowledge of mountain hazards.

The Sentiero Alpino Calanca can be divided into three or four stages. Overnight accommodation is available at the unstaffed Pian Grand, Ganan and Alp di Fora huts, as well as Capanna Buffalora; check availability before setting out. The Via Panoramica Bolada Trek, which starts in Santa Maria, offers a different route. Its highest point is at the Chapel of Sant’Antonio de Bolada, at 1,674 m above sea level. This gives you three different reference points for planning your hikes: a short first stage of Via Calanca, a T3 trail that can be planned over several stages, and a trek with a named high point.

Bald Launch Site and Local Dining

The Santa Maria in Calanca airfield has a launch site at Bald on the Monti di Santa Maria, at an altitude of 1,218 m above sea level, for paragliding and hang gliding. From Santa Maria, the launch site can be reached by road; alternatively, you can take the post bus and then walk for 20 minutes. Check flight conditions and access locally before use. Weather and seasonal road conditions may affect access.

Grotto Baita in Santa Maria in Calanca serves dishes with views of the Mesolcina. Check before your trip whether it is open. The historic buildings, the various hiking options and the Bald launch site each offer a different focus for a stay. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can plan around your activities while considering the specific requirements of your chosen trail or access to the launch site.

Discover more destinations: Soazza, San Bernardino, Misox, Braggio, Roveredo, San Vittore Gr, Cama, Rossa Gr

For the main travel overview: Moesa.