Zillis - St. Martin

In 831 an "ecclesia plebeia" is mentioned here, dedicated to Saint Martin. Excavations proved, that earlier churches did exist on the same spot from about 500 on.

The church was erected in the early 12th century along an old (pre-Roman) road that crosses the Alps and from here runs through the dangerous "Via Mala". So here was a place to stop and pray..

A huge "Saint Christopher" is next to the door. He would probably guide the anxious travellers through the "Via Mala", the notorious section of a path between Zillis and Thusis. This narrow gorge was the most serious obstacle on the approach to two mountain passes: the Spluegen and the San Bernardino.

St. Martin is world famous for the painted ceiling inside.