The monastery village of Disentis in Romanch-speaking Surselva has widely differing villagescapes in its various areas. All are worth seeing. The 14 churches and chapels show the importance of religion.

Disentis Monastery was founded in 720 AD by Sigisbert helped by local landowner Placidus. Situated at an important traffic junction with access to the Passo del Lucomagno and Oberalp Pass, the monastery extended its domain over the entire Surselva as far as today’s Canton Uri. The monastery even survived such setbacks as invasions by the Saracens (940) and the French (end 18th, beginning 19th century. it is still a spiritual and cultural centre.

The village of Disentis has 2300 inhabitants and beds for 10,000 visitors. The official language is Romanch. The 14 churches and chapels in the various areas show the influence of religion on daily life. They are also of interest in terms of architectural history. The St. Johann Parish Church dates from the 11th century and various architectural styles are apparent on the tower: as well as Romanesque windows and Gothic elements, it also has a typical baroque onion roof.

The part of the village around the monastery has stone-built, patrician houses of several storeys – unusual for the region. Some also have painted facades. In contrast, the Gonda and Ruosana areas have typical Graubunden farmhouses with masonry cellars, timber frames and small barns. The hamlet of Cavardiras is marked by narrow lanes, idyllic farmhouses and a church on a hill. Acletta is mainly known for its chapel dating from 1670, considered one of the most beautiful baroque churches in the region mainly for its interior design. It is consecrated to the Holy Mother of God.

The construction of the railway from Reichenau through the Rhine Gorge to Disentis created links to Andermatt and Brig. The Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt stops at the station in Disentis. Trips by historic steam railway over the old Furka-Oberalp mountain section are another attraction.

The network of hiking and biking routes around the monastery village is well developed. With the advent of mountain cableways, Disentis developed into an extensive snow-sport region, primarily with an excellent reputation on the freeride scene.

Highlights

• Monastery and 14 other sacral buildings
• Different villagescapes in the various village areas
• Snow-sport region with exceptional possibilities for ski tours and freeriding
• 350 km hiking trails, extensive bike routes (incl. downhill), paragliding, searching for mountain crystals, climbing, downhill scooter runs
• Source of the Rhine near the Oberalp Pass and panning for gold in the young Rhine
• Trips by historic steam railway over the old Furka Pass mountain section