Church, Village and Architectural History

The Late Gothic Church of San Lurench (St. Lawrence) was first mentioned in a document in 1356. Sils Baselgia grew up around the church. Its location was important as far back as Roman times because it lay on the transport route between Bergell and the Julier Pass. The village’s history is therefore linked to an older transport route. The church is open to the public; check local access information before your visit.

The buildings also tell the story of the area’s architecture. Chesa Lagrev-Schucan was created in 1907 by renovating and adding a storey to an Engadine farmhouse dating from the 16th century. Many parts of the 1907 structure have survived, including terrazzo floors and Art Nouveau door frames. The building is in private use. Haus Castelmur-Salis displays a different architectural style: it is a stately double patrician house with an exterior staircase and elaborate sgraffiti.

Today’s Parkhotel Margna is also part of the village’s history. It originated as a house that Johann Josty had built for his wife in 1817. The family residence was extended several times, with major additions in 1905/06 and 1913/14 by Nicolaus Hartmann Jr. Its history thus spans the original house and several building phases, leading to the hotel of today.

Library and Getting There

The Biblioteca Engiadinaisa is open to everyone; use of the library and borrowing are free of charge. It is a place for information, education and culture. In the reading room, with views of Lake Sils, you can plan a quieter break in your day. Bus routes 602 and 604 stop right beside the library at the Sils/Segl Baselgia, Biblioteca stop. Timetables may change, so check your connection before travelling.

Cultural Programme and Sailing

A cultural walk featuring a short visit to the Schwarzenbach House is on the programme for 2026–2027. Annemarie Schwarzenbach lived and died in this house. The guided visit depends on the programme; check in advance whether a suitable date is available.

Another option focuses on sailing: at the Silsersee Sailing School, you can rent a boat and sail independently, subject to availability and after a sailing lesson. If you plan to do this, enquire about availability in advance. The requirements are therefore clearly different from those for a cultural walk: renting a boat includes a sailing lesson, while the guided visit depends on the programme.

Chastè Peninsula and Circular Cross-Country Ski Trail

The nearby Chastè Peninsula is a shorter walk from Sils Baselgia than from Sils Maria. There are barbecue and picnic spots, and visitors can jump into Lake Sils. Local conditions may vary. This makes it possible to combine a visit to historic sites with time by the water, without specifying a particular walking time.

The starting point for the Sils Baselgia circular cross-country ski trail is 20 metres from the Sils/Segl Baselgia, San Lurench bus stop, in the direction of the cantonal road. This is a separate practical detail about the trail, not the stop by the library.

Discover more destinations: Bregaglia, Castasegna, Pontresina, Stampa, Casaccia, Celerina/Schlarigna, Samedan, Surlej.

For the broader travel overview: Maloja.