Poschiavo Attractions
The road on the south side of the Bernina pass is now of a good standard. Passing through the Valle di Poschiavo it comes to Poschiavo (1,014 m/3,327ft: pop. 3,600), the central area of population in a commune made up of six separate villages. Sights include the 17th C. Town Hall with Romanesque tower, the Late Gothic church of San Vittore (15th-16th C.) and the Baroque church of Santa Maria Presentata (17th-18th C.) with a beautiful ceiling painting in the nave from 1770. Not far from the Piazza are the elegant patrician houses. Colorful facades characterize the Spaniola quarter, which was settled in the 19th C. by emigrants returning from Spain.
Gita a Selva
This children's festival is based on the 19th century custom of visiting the church every spring. Local children climb the Selva Alpine meadow to the nearby chapel, where they gather for a service and then a meal of polenta.
The rest of the day is celebrated in a more pagan manner, with song, dance, theatrical performances, sports competitions and general merriment.
The rest of the day is celebrated in a more pagan manner, with song, dance, theatrical performances, sports competitions and general merriment.
