Soazza: Churches, Exhibitions and Hiking Trails

Soazza is a village and political municipality in the Italian-speaking part of the Canton of Graubünden, and belongs to the Moesa region. Set back from the cantonal road, the terraced village is known for its particular tranquillity. In some of its lanes, urban elegance and rustic rural mountain character meet. Churches, historic buildings and small collections offer different insights into the area’s cultural history and help visitors find their way around.

Churches and historic buildings

The parish church of San Martino stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the surrounding area. It was completely rebuilt in 1639, with a square nave and a single choir. It was subsequently given its Baroque design. The church nave has a painted 17th-century beam ceiling, and the church also houses several valuable works of art. The organ was installed in 1894 by the Giuseppe Vedani company of Varese, and is also known for organist Hannes Mayer.

At the foot of the imposing staircase to the church stands the Madonna Addolorata Chapel. The Baroque Oratorio della Madonna Addolorata dates from 1751 and has an unusual triangular tower. Inside, botanical stucco motifs and medallions from the same year adorn the building; the images depict scenes from the lives of Mary and Joseph. The church and the oratory thus bring together architecture, furnishings and a range of artistic details.

The Palazzo a Marca dates from the 17th century and was restored in 1975. Painted wooden ceilings and elaborately carved door surrounds are among the building’s surviving features. The palazzo has also been transformed into an arts centre, offering year-round courses in painting, sculpture and photography. As dates may change, it is advisable to check the programme in advance. The enclosing walls of the Ospizio dei Cappuccini are also notable for their colourful frescoes by Francesco Antonio Giorgioli. San Martino, Palazzo a Marca and the hospice are among the local cultural assets documented in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National and Regional Significance.

Exhibitions and collections

The permanent exhibitions at the Centro culturale di Circolo can be visited during library opening hours. One exhibition explores the extraction and processing of soapstone in the 18th century, placing this craft within its long tradition. Another is devoted to sheep’s wool: its subjects include shearing, washing and combing, as well as spinning, dyeing and knitting. The municipal library itself is housed in Soazza’s renovated old railway station.

The La Vita de una Volta micro-museum is housed in a converted old stable. Its extensive collection of antiques includes clothing and musical instruments, among other items. The exhibition “La Vita de una Volta... il Sogno di Michi” recreates a domestic setting on the first floor; the basement displays objects from everyday farming life. The cultural attractions thus range from religious and architectural heritage to depictions of traditional crafts and daily life.

Trails between the railway line, castle and chestnut heritage

The trails around Soazza explore a range of landscape and cultural themes. The route from Mesocco to Soazza follows a former railway line, leads to the Castello di Mesocco castle complex and then continues to Soazza. A nature trail along this route leads to the castle ruins and offers views across the Misox. A separate hiking trail runs along the former railway line between Mesocco and Boffalora, crossing bridges and passing through tunnels on the disused railway route.

The Via San Bernardino also reaches Soazza. Its route follows sections of the former railway line, with viaducts and tunnels, as well as a restored 18th-century mule track. The route is listed as 14.5 kilometres long, with 1,042 metres of elevation gain and a walking time of six hours. These figures and the walking time provide a useful basis for planning; trail conditions can change. On its western side, the Sentiero Cultura e Natura tra castello e castagni extends as far as the Mont Grand area in Soazza. A nature trail starting in Soazza introduces visitors to the area’s natural, landscape and cultural features, especially its chestnut-growing heritage. Studies in the chestnut groves of Mont Grand also documented the first sighting of Nineta guadarramensis in Switzerland.

Mountain scenery and practical planning

A route to Lago Calvaresc leads from Soazza via Alp de Bec and the Pass de Buffalora to a mountain lake described as heart-shaped. Along the way, the trail passes through landscapes of flowering rhododendrons; wildlife may also be spotted. A transit permit from the municipality of Soazza is required to drive to Alp de Bec via the forest road. Check this requirement before setting out by car, and check trail conditions before your hike.

The Passo della Forcola connects the Misox Valley near Soazza with the Valchiavenna, continuing via Gordona, Mese and Chiavenna. The route has been known since the Middle Ages, and probably earlier, and was used for military purposes. At that time it was called the Via del Sale and was used for an extended period as a natural continuation of the Strada Priula. In August 2026, the route was listed as closed; check access before including it in your plans.

Discover more destinations: San Vittore Gr, Roveredo, Braggio, Cama, Lostallo, San Bernardino, Selma, Misox.

Back to the main travel overview: Moesa.