Grenzen, Brände, Römerzeiten

Altfinstermünz itself has a fascinating history, as the Via Claudia, a path from Roman times, once ran from Rome via Milan, through Nauders, Habsburg and Munich. This old path can still be explored today in Altfinstermünz with an audio guide tour. A real piece of history under your feet. The Romans came here in search of vines, which they found in this picturesque setting. Over time, they brought potatoes with them and cultivated barley, wheat, rye and oats.

The year 1856 was marked by a devastating fire that destroyed Tschlin right down to the walls. However, the village was rebuilt with active support from the Engadine, France and the lowlands. A time of reconstruction marked by the descent of Napoleon, who once fought here with the Habsburgs.

Graubünden did not join Switzerland until 1801. Previously, there were three federations. Napoleon drew the borders and placed the Valtellina in Italy. In 1680, eight members from Tschlin and eight from Nauders established the border to Martina, which remains unchanged to this day.

After the fire, Tschlin was rebuilt in a very short time, albeit with more modest houses. Lack of money prevented further improvements. Most people lived on self-sufficiency, large families hunted and fed on game meat all year round. In difficult times, the gamekeeper turned a blind eye.

Tschlin was spared from both world wars, but between the 16th and 17th centuries all villages burned down at least once. The rulers of Nauders marched into Switzerland and demanded goods. If these were not delivered, the villages were punished and set on fire. Tschlin experienced a total of three fires.