Zillis: Church, Valley History and Trails

Zillis is a linear village at the southern end of the Viamala Gorge, east of the Hinterrhein. The village belongs to the Schams in the Viamala region and lies in the Hinterrhein valley. It is situated on the western slope of Curvér Pintg da Taspegn, whose elevation is given as 2,731 metres. These geographical details provide a concrete framework for planning your trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Zillis, you can consider whether your stay will focus on St. Martin’s Church, the history of the valley, or hiking trails and excursions.

St. Martin’s Church and its Picture Panels

The parish church of St. Martin was first mentioned around 840. In the church, a Carolingian apse complex is integrated into an earlier building; this architectural feature is considered remarkable in Graubünden. The ceiling consists of 153 square picture panels. The border panels depict mythical creatures and scenes from the story of Jonah.

The church exhibition uses texts, models and a multimedia presentation to explain the medieval world view, the working methods of a painter of the time, the construction of the wooden ceiling and how the age of the wooden panels is determined. The subject of St. Martin therefore encompasses both the picture motifs and the construction and creation of the ceiling. Zillis’s archaeological and religious heritage also includes the Zillis cult cave, an early church complex and an eighth-century three-apsed hall.

The Valley Museum and the Heritage of Schams

The Tgea da Schons Valley Museum showcases rural living and pre-industrial crafts in the Schams valley. It is housed in a farmhouse dating from 1580, typical of central Graubünden. Its focus is on how people in Schams lived and worked in the past. Everyday life is at the heart of this museum, while St. Martin primarily conveys the history of religious imagery and architecture.

The s-cultura.ch exhibition in Zillis-Reischen also preserves decommissioned milling machinery as cultural artefacts representing fascinating industrial design. As access arrangements may change, check the current visitor options before your visit.

Hiking Trails and Excursions

Zillis is the destination of the Veia Traversina route. The hiking trails along the route between the Viamala Visitor Centre, Reischen and Zillis are also designated regional hiking route No. 50. Brown ViaSpluga signposts mark these trails. If you plan to follow the route, check the trail conditions before setting out.

Another option is an excursion to the silver mines on Alp Taspegn. The trip includes a ride in a Land Rover and a guided tour of former ore and silver mines. Check the dates before travelling and find out whether a reservation is required.

Getting There and Transport History

Zillis is accessible by PostBus. As timetables may change, check the current SBB or PostBus timetable before travelling. A free public car park is located directly opposite the Nislas fire pit in Zillis-Reischen. It is also advisable to check this before your trip, as parking availability may change.

The historic Viamala road across the Alps is part of the region’s transport history. It opened in 1473 and led to increased traffic towards the Splügen and San Bernardino passes. This historical context complements the themes of the church, rural life and crafts with the development of transport in the region.

Discover more travel destinations: Präz, Tartar, Flerden, Andeer, Rothenbrunnen, Rodels, Donath, Fürstenau

For the main travel overview: Hinterrhein.