Pignia, formerly known in German as Pignieu, is a locality in the municipality of Andeer in the canton of GraubĂĽnden and the Viamala region. Pignia is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Heritage Sites and is considered a heritage site of national importance in the canton of GraubĂĽnden. The historic village centre is a good starting point for getting to know the rural character of the locality in more detail.
Historic Village Centre and Buildings
The historic village centre preserves well-maintained, regionally characteristic rural buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th century. The spaces between them are largely intact and distinctly rural in character; they offer charming views of the mostly undeveloped meadow slopes. Old farmhouses with sgraffiti and sayings also shape Pignia. Sgraffiti are decorative plaster designs; together with the sayings, they draw attention to the houses’ design details. A walk through the village offers the chance to take in both the buildings and the open spaces and sightlines.
The Reformed church has a Romanesque core. It was extended in 1475 and 1803, and renovated in 1940 and 1988/89. The two dates of extension and the later renovation years show that the building underwent changes over several centuries.
Pignia Bad is also part of the historic picture: the bathing history of the building complex dates back to the 16th century, and the inn from the bathing era is still standing today. The complex is located one kilometre before the entrance to Andeer village. Its bathing history and surviving inn add another local theme to the picture of the farmhouses and church.
Landscape and Historic Routes
At the southern edge of the historic village centre, the Ual da Pignia and its stream lie in a densely wooded ravine, forming the natural boundary of the village centre. Another landmark is the old country road between Zillis and Andeer, along which Pignia lies. The road places Pignia on the historic route connecting the two localities, while the Ual da Pignia marks a precise boundary of the village centre.
Hiking Through Pignia and Above the Village
The Andeer–Pignia–Zillis hike is easy, 4.2 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. It leads through Pignia. The Schams Valley Route climbs from Andeer towards Pignia and then descends to Pignia Bogn. Above the village, it follows a loop along the edge of the forest. The routes offer different points of reference: the Andeer–Pignia–Zillis hike has a specified distance, difficulty and duration, while the Schams Valley Route is described by its ascent, descent and path along the forest edge.
Getting There
Pignia can be reached by PostBus. Check the current timetable before travelling so you can include the connection in your day’s plans.
Discover more destinations: Hinterrhein, Zillis, Sufers, Scharans, Innerferrera, Rothenbrunnen, Trans, Sils Im Domleschg
Back to the main travel overview: Hinterrhein.
