Selma: Historic Trails and Church Art

Selma combines historic hiking trails in the Calanca Valley with the architectural and artistic history of the parish church, Chiesa dei Santi Giacomo e Pietro. When choosing a destination for your stay, these specific highlights can shape your plans: a connection to Landarenca, sections of the Via Calanca, or the history of the church. The trails differ considerably in length, elevation gain, and the available information on walking times.

Hiking Trails and Route Profiles

The Mulattiera da Selma a Landarenca is a historic trail of national importance connecting Selma with Landarenca. The route is 2.20 kilometers long, with an ascent of 365 meters that takes about one hour. When planning, consider not only the distance but also the ascent and approximate duration. Check the route details locally before setting out, as they may change.

Much of the trail’s original historic fabric has been preserved. A drainage channel is visible along the downhill edge of the path for much of the route. Along with connecting Selma and Landarenca, these features give the Mulattiera a distinct historic character. Local conditions can change, so check the trail’s condition before your hike.

The second stage of the Via Calanca offers a different route length: it runs from Santa Maria to Selma, is 10.3 kilometers long, and takes about 3.5 hours. Here, too, it is advisable to check the details locally before setting out. The family-friendly hike from Arvigo to Rossa passes through Selma. The second stage has a specified length and approximate duration; for the third, suitability for families is an explicitly stated point of guidance.

On the Via Calanca, the trail from Selma toward Cauco reaches the route’s first truly level stretch. From the Maiensäss near Cauco, the Valle Calanca Panorama Trail descends toward Selma. Selma is home to the parish church, Chiesa dei Santi Giacomo e Pietro. The trail network therefore includes both a clearly described uphill connection and routes where the sequence of stages or changes in terrain determine how to plan.

Planning Your Journey and Return

To return to Arvigo, you can take the PostBus from Selma along the Valle Calanca Panorama Trail or walk beside the mountain stream Calancasca. The Mesolcina–Val Calanca PostAuto network map, valid from December 14, 2025, lists the Selma, al Pont stop and the Selma cable car stop. Check the current timetable for specific journeys.

The cable car at Selma goes to Landarenca, a village with attractive traditional stone houses (Rustici). This means the connection between the two places can also be considered as a separate planning point, alongside the historic Mulattiera. You should also check the latest timetable information for your cable car journey.

Selma’s Church and History

The settlement of Selma is of regional importance. The parish church, Chiesa dei Santi Giacomo e Pietro, was rebuilt between 1662 and 1667 after the previous church was destroyed by an avalanche. The choir contains wall paintings from the second half of the 17th century. It also houses an altar with a painting of the Crucifixion dating from 1680; the aedicule altars date from around 1667.

A much later architectural feature is the coffered ceiling in the nave, which dates from 1937. The church thus brings together several periods: its reconstruction between 1662 and 1667, the paintings and altars from the later 17th century, and the 20th-century ceiling. If you are interested in architecture and art, these specific dates make it possible to distinguish the history of each element.

The Sentiero Alpino Calanca is also historically connected with Selma. In 1793, Wilfried Graf from Binningen bought a holiday home there and explored the mountains of the Calanca Valley in the following years. This story adds a biographical connection to the region to the trail descriptions.

Discover more destinations: San Vittore Gr, Castaneda Gr, San Bernardino, Santa Maria In Calanca, Lostallo, Verdabbio, Rossa Gr, Braggio.

Return to the main travel overview: Moesa.