Vella Gr: Village History and Cultural Trails

Vella Gr combines a historic village centre with cultural trails and hiking opportunities in the Lumnezia. The rectangular village square offers a tangible impression of the village’s architectural history: it is bordered on the valley side by grand buildings and on the mountain side by two very well-preserved timber farmhouses dating from the 18th century. The church and grand residences make the square unique within the Lumnezia. It is a reminder of Vella’s former importance as the valley’s principal settlement.

Village Centre and Church Art

For the most part, the historic settlement has retained its original layout. It includes houses and barns, as well as enclosed gardens and fruit trees. Grassy, semi-public footpaths and a restored open village stream complement the village’s historic character. These features can be seen as part of a village fabric in which buildings, gardens and paths belong together.

In Pleif stands the church of Sogn Vintschegn, which served as the valley’s main church for centuries. A settlement already existed here in the Bronze Age; the first documented church building dates back to the year 800. Inside is a two-storey high altar created by Johannes Ritz in 1726. On the north wall, a Renaissance altar by Hans Jakob Greutter depicts the Queen of the Rosary, surrounded by 15 medallions showing the Mysteries of the Rosary. Large tombstones on the north exterior wall commemorate the de Mont family.

In the centre of Vella, next to the chapel, stands the palatial Casti de Mont. After a fire, Margaretha von Mont rebuilt it in 1666; it has been a listed monument since 1982. The chapel of Sogn Roc e Sogn Bistgaun on the village square also has a story of its own: Landrichter Gallus von Mont founded it during a plague epidemic, and it was consecrated in 1592. In 1940, on the occasion of its renovation and enlargement, Alois Carigiet decorated its façade with depictions of Saints Christopher and Maurice. Inside is a small winged altar featuring members of the de Mont family.

Cultural Trail and Hiking Routes

The Senda culturala Lumnezia is an easy 7.5-kilometre cultural trail that starts and ends in Vella. Information panels cover the history, culture, geology, fauna and flora of the Lumnezia. The trail also includes more than 30 historic boundary stones, as well as three panels on the plant and animal life of the wetlands. This brings cultural history and nature together along the same route, without one perspective overshadowing the other.

For a different hiking option, an easy route leads from Vella to Lake Davos Munts, which lies above Vattiz. The Vella–Triel–Vella circular hike has a different focus: it passes through forest and alpine meadows, where marmots may be spotted with a little luck, and reaches the Triel mid-station, which offers sweeping views across the Lumnezia. The destinations, route character and views set these two options apart; the details of the easy hike and the circular hike provide practical guidance when choosing between them.

Guided cultural hikes also offer a way to explore the valley’s history. One such hike begins in Vella with an introduction to the history of the Lumnezia and the former ruling de Mont family. As part of the guided cultural hike, you can also see a striking painting of the Battle of Lepanto in the valley church at Pleif.

Winter and Summer Activities

Below the village, in the direction of Pleif Church, there is a cross-country ski loop just under two kilometres long. It is groomed for skating and classic technique. The signposted Tschanabrels snowshoe trail starts at the Bual football field in Vella and leads via Sasuz and the Vattiz forest to Tschanabrels. Snowshoeing equipment can be rented from Menzli Sport in Vella.

The Senda d'unviern Triel winter hiking trail starts at Sumsiaras in Vella and follows a short climb to the edge of the village at Bual. From Triel, you can take the chairlift back to Vella. Check winter conditions and the seasonal availability of the lift before travelling. In summer, tennis courts in Vella are among the Val Lumnezia’s sports facilities. The activities described range from cultural and historical trails and hikes to selected winter and summer sports.

Discover more destinations: Medels Im Oberland, Morissen, Versam, Sevgein, Igels, Siat, Luven, Laax.

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