Poschiavo Valley

(Local Name: Valle di Poschiavo) From La Rösa the road runs high up on the wooded mountainside, soon affording an excellent view of the Poschiavo valley. On the opposite slope (view restricted by trees) are the boldly engineered bends of the Bernina railroad. 10km/6mi from La Rösa, at San Carlo (1,095 m/3,593ft), the road reaches the floor of the Poschiavo valley (Italian Valle di Poschiavo). Before the village is a hydroelectric station belonging to the Brusio complex.

The 34km/21mi long Poschiavo valley, which descends from the Bernina pass to Tirano in the Valtellina, is a region of southern vegetation and Italian lifestyle. It remained part of the canton of Grisons after the cession to Italy of the Valtellina, which belonged to the Grisons from 1512 to 1797. In 1987 the valley was subject to catastrophic floods, but repairs were completed within a year.

The Poschiavo Valley Museum (opening hours given), housed in a restored 18th century building, contains collections on the local life and traditions of the valley.