From Rossa in the idyllic Calanca Valley, a new walking trail leads to three historic chapels featuring modern and abstract motifs on their exterior walls. In addition to the beautiful natural surroundings of Parco Val Calanca, visitors can experience the region’s traditional architecture combined with modern art.

The approximately one-and-a-half-hour walk leads from Rossa, the northernmost village in the Calanca Valley, to the hamlet of Scata, situated on a sunny south-facing slope at an altitude of 1165 metres. The first chapel painted by Anglo-Swiss artist David Tremlett stands directly at the entrance to Rossa. It is the San Carlo al Sabbione Chapel. The shapes are rendered in burgundy, grey, sandy yellow and light blue. Striking, yet by no means garish, the painted chapels are intended to invite visitors to explore, marvel and reflect.

From Sabbion, the group of houses opposite Rossa, the path continues uphill on foot to the settlement. It is worth taking a first break at the fountain before continuing a little further up to the red-painted Madonna del Sangue Chapel. Once at the top, the view is magnificent. Those who wish can extend the hike and continue uphill to Pro de Leura at 1416 metres. Otherwise, the route descends to the third chapel, Santa Maria Maddalena al Calvario, which glows in vivid yellow and brown. A day in Rossa can be extended with a visit to the larch-wood artworks (project Ispace). They stand along a forest hiking trail and offer visitors a different perception of space, sounds and nature.