Sta. Maria in Calanca

Sitting on the hillside above Grono is this spectacular church and tower. The church is said to have been constructed around the year 1000 and put in the record book in the year 1219. The tower above it, equally spectacular with steep stairs, duplex living and a roof top balcony, stands prominently above it. 
After visiting both in the warm sunshine we headed into the Val Calanca, a long deep hidden valley, which follows the river tumbling down from the snow-capped mountains high above. We drove to Rossa at the end of the valley and then walked 5km up to Valbella, a tiny hamlet with its own little chapel. It was all closed up for winter but its charm won us over as we sat on the chapel warm, having a snack and a hot drink, listening to the river far below and absorbing the wild beauty and remoteness of this place. A place to return to.