As a clustered village, Bondo lies in the lower Bergell at the entrance to Val Bondasca. The historic village centre is south of the Mera on the Bondasca alluvial fan; narrow, winding lanes shape the village’s character. The surrounding area is predominantly mountainous and wooded, with comparatively little agricultural and settled land. In the village itself, the dense historic fabric takes centre stage, while hiking trails lead, among other places, through forests and chestnut groves.
Churches, Palazzi and Village History
Chiesa San Martino combines architectural history with a lively concert programme: thanks to its excellent acoustics, the church is often used for concerts. Guided tours in German and Italian last about 45 minutes. Confirm the tour before your trip. The Romanesque village church was consecrated in 1250. A separate historical reference concerns the early medieval valley church Nossa Donna Castelmur, which was first mentioned in 988.
The secular buildings also reflect different periods of construction. Palazzo Salis in Bondo was built from 1766 to 1776 by Milanese architect Francesco Corce for the diplomat and count Hieronymus von Salis. Notable interior details include a Japanese studiolo with painted chinoiserie. Casa Picenoni Cief was built as a residential tower in the 13th century. After the fire of 1621, it was rebuilt and expanded with a third building section in the second half of the 18th century.
Bondo was first mentioned in 1380 and was historically associated with Bergell, the Diocese of Chur and the League of God’s House. From the late Middle Ages, livestock farming was practised here using a four-stage system: village, field stable, Maiensäss and alpine pasture. Chestnut cultivation was a complementary activity. In the wider Bergell region, chestnut cake, chestnut cream and dried chestnuts are part of the chestnut tradition.
Hiking Trails and Practical Considerations
The Bondo–Castasegna–Soglio circular hike passes old stables, runs through forest and the Brentan chestnut grove, and goes through a tunnel cut into the rock near a waterfall. The Via Bregaglia offers a different section of trail: from Bondo to Promontogno, it passes Chiesa San Martino and Molino Scartazzini. These two descriptions offer different options for choosing a route: the first focuses on several landscape and trail features, while the second highlights the connection between the two villages and the buildings along the way.
The Sciora trail is a challenging option. It includes several suspension bridges and requires sure-footedness and excellent physical fitness. There is a small car park behind the village church at the start of the trail; availability may vary by season. Check the parking situation before your visit.
For Capanna Sasc Furä CAS, the official trail information updated on 25 August 2026 lists access via Cugian. It reports that the new trail from Bondo is closed until further notice due to the risk of rockfall. As trail conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out. If needed, the steep sections from Plazza to Soglio and from Soglio down to Promontogno can be bypassed by post bus; confirm the timetable before your trip.
Keep an Eye on Cultural Events
In summer, paintings by Ernesto Picenoni can be viewed at Osteria di Donato Salis in Bondo. As this seasonal display may change, check in advance whether it will be available during your visit. Temporary exhibitions that are open to the public are occasionally held in the area of the Crotti di Bondo. Check the exhibitions and dates in the 2026 programme before visiting, too. The grave of the artist Varlin is also located in Bondo’s small cemetery.
There are several different ways to shape a stay: explore the village’s historic architecture and church history, take a circular hike with a chestnut grove and rock tunnel, or follow the trail section between Bondo and Promontogno. For more challenging routes, current trail conditions and, where relevant, the timetable are important details to check when planning.
Discover more destinations: Pontresina, Castasegna, Celerina/Schlarigna, Surlej, Madulain, Casaccia, Stampa, Samedan.
For the main travel overview: Maloja.
