Misox among Castles, Churches and Trails

Mesocco is a village and political municipality in the Italian-speaking part of the Swiss canton of Graubünden and belongs to the Moesa region. The municipality is considered the northernmost in Misox. It includes the northern settlements of Pian San Giacomo at 1,170 m above sea level and San Bernardino at 1,626 m above sea level. For your trip planning, this geographical context provides a framework for the different places and routes associated with Mesocco.

Castello di Mesocco and Santa Maria del Castello

Castello di Mesocco stands south of the village on a rocky spur and overlooks the valley. Steep rock faces protect the site on three sides. It is considered one of the most significant ruins in the canton of Graubünden and the largest ruin in Switzerland. The castle can be visited free of charge every day year-round; check before your visit whether the access conditions remain unchanged.

Below the castle ruins stands the church of Santa Maria del Castello, known for its art-historically valuable monthly scenes. Its bell tower dates from around 1100. The church itself was first mentioned in 1219 in a deed of donation to San Vittore.

Trails with different characters

The Mesocco–Ruina Castello–Soazza walk follows the former railway road from Mesocco to the imposing castle complex and onward to Soazza. The Via San Bernardino offers a different kind of route: in Mesocco, the actual alpine section begins, climbing steeply towards Pian San Giacomo and repeatedly following old road routes. This gives you two specifically described options: a route via the castle and onward to Soazza, and a steep climb towards Pian San Giacomo.

You can travel by PostBus to Mesocco Stazione for the Mesocco–Ruina Castello–Soazza walk. Check the current timetable before setting off.

Churches and art history

The Chiesa parrocchiale dei SS Pietro e Paolo was also first mentioned in 1219. Fragments of late Gothic wall paintings from the third quarter of the 15th century can be found on the nave walls, near the side altars. The location and fragmentary condition of the paintings are as much a part of their description as their art-historical classification.

In the Chiesa di San Rocco, the choir has a cross vault with frescoes by Francesco Antonio Giorgioli. The building was established as a hospice for Capuchin friars in 1668. The churches offer different aspects to discover: the early historical mention of SS Pietro e Paolo, the wall paintings, and the frescoes in the vault of San Rocco.

Cultural projects in Mesocco

Zoo di Mesocco is a zoo without cages, designed to bring visitors especially close to nature, and comprises three trails. As an art project, Zoo di Mesocco connects the municipality’s districts with a route dedicated to sustainability and reflection. The Mini Museum of Modern Art is located in the heart of Mesocco. Together, these projects complement the historic buildings with a focus on art and nature.

Discover more destinations

Rossa Gr, Roveredo, Castaneda Gr, Lostallo, Cama, Santa Maria In Calanca, San Bernardino, Verdabbio

For the main travel overview: Moesa.