773 - Via San Bernardino

ViaSanBernardino in four stages

Stage 1 San Vittore-Cama

From San Vittore with the Church of San Lucio from the Carolingian period, you can reach Roveredo on foot on the left bank; The two villages, which produced several architects who settled in Germany during the Baroque period, are rich in historical monuments (churches, towers, palaces). Continue towards Grono, a typical village along the road dominated by the harmonious Torre Fiorenzana, and continue towards Leggia and Cama. In addition to the ruins of Norantola Castle, in Cama we find the typical grotti; Here, as elsewhere, you can sample delicious local specialties such as wine, meats, and cheeses.

3h runtime, 11.2 km, 97 m difference in altitude.

Stage 2 Cama-Soazza

The route winds through chestnut forests, meadows and floodplains: the villages of Sorte, Lostallo and Cabbiolo offer picturesque views and precious churches. You enter Soazza, placed in a panoramic position on a terrace, along sections of the old railway with viaducts and tunnels and a restored mule track from the 18th century.

3h45 Running time, 14.3 km, 245 m difference in altitude.

Stage 3 Soazza-San Bernardino Village

In the village of Soazza you can admire the harmonious urban structure, the Capuchin hospice, the church of San Martino, as well as several buildings from the 19th century. An educational trail starting from Soazza allows you to engage with the naturalistic, scenic and cultural aspects of the area, especially the chestnut culture. Our route continues towards the imposing ruins of the Castle of Mesocco, a Renaissance fortress demolished in the 16th century, and the Church of Santa Maria del Castello, which houses an extraordinary cycle of frescoes from the 15th century. Mesocco, which in the past played an important role in the management of traffic by the S. Bernardino, has several interesting historical buildings; The first traces of human presence in the region date back to almost 10,000 years ago. In Mesocco, the purely alpine part of the journey begins: the path climbs steeply towards Pian San Giacomo, bypassing the old road routes several times. After Pian San Giacomo, the route winds almost entirely on the old mule track or the "French road", between forests and mountain pastures dominated by majestic peaks to reach the enchanting basin of San Bernardino with the tourist village.

6h runtime, 14.5 km, 1042 m difference in altitude.

Stage 4 San Bernardino Village - San Bernardino Pass

San Bernardino is the main tourist destination in Mesolcina, established in the 19th century because of its healthy mountain climate and the healing effects of its mineral water. The ecological characteristics of the area with the pine forests, the peat bogs, the lakes and the various entertainment options make it the ideal destination for those seeking peace and nature. Climb from the village to the pass (2065 m) where the hospice is located, built in 1824-25 on the shores of the lake from which the Moesa River rises. The path crosses the excellently restored Kutschenstraße several times; the remains of the modernized mule track from the 18th century are also clearly visible. From both streets you can admire the construction techniques and various artifacts. The area of the pass, wide and flat, is characterized by rounded reliefs formed by glaciers that enclose numerous lakes and swamps of rare charm, the ideal habitat for a flora of great naturalistic interest.

2h running time, 5 km, 457 m difference in altitude.