San Gian (Celerina)

San Gian in Celerina/Schlarigna is a late Gothic Reformed church standing on a hill above the River Inn in the Upper Engadine, canton of Graubünden. It is a monument of national significance and the former parish church of Celerina. Two towers of different ages define its outline, and inside you will find a painted timber ceiling and 15th-century frescoes.

What is San Gian?

In Romansh the church is called Baselgia San Gian, the Church of St John. It occupies a hilltop where a chapel stood around the turn of the first millennium. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland notes that this earlier structure was investigated archaeologically in 1974. The church is first mentioned in 1320, and its present form comes from a rebuilding in 1478.

What will you see?

Two towers. The smaller Romanesque tower dates from around 1300, when the church was still oriented to the east. It was folded into the new complex during the rebuild. The taller late Gothic tower was finished in 1520. Lightning destroyed its spire in 1682, and it was never replaced, which gives the church its unusual profile.

The 1478 rebuild. The nave was extended westwards and the chancel received a vault. The church has a single apse.

Timber ceiling. The painted wooden ceiling is counted among the finest and best preserved in Graubünden. It carries the coats of arms of Bishop Ortlieb von Brandis of Chur (in office 1458-1491).

Frescoes. The interior holds 15th-century wall paintings. They were whitewashed during the Reformation, which is why they survive in good condition.

How to visit

The church sits on a hill above the village, so expect a short uphill walk. Celerina lies a few minutes from St. Moritz and is reached by Rhaetian Railway or by road. Check opening times with the Upper Engadine Reformed parish before you go, as the building is used for services and celebrations. In summer it also hosts concerts.

When to go

Summer is the easiest season: concerts take place and the hill path is clear. In winter Celerina is busy with skiing, and you can still admire the church from outside as part of the valley view.

Conservation

The Upper Engadine Reformed parish has drawn up a restoration study with estimated costs of about CHF 1.6 million. The central challenge is balancing the protection of the frescoes with use of the interior. The plan relies on conserving the paintings and creating suitable climate conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same San Gian as the one in Sils? No. Several churches in the Engadine carry the name San Gian. This page covers the one in Celerina/Schlarigna.

How old is the church? It is documented from 1320, and its current appearance mostly reflects the 1478 rebuilding. The smaller tower is older, from about 1300.

Why does one tower lack a spire? Lightning destroyed the spire of the late Gothic tower in 1682, and it was not rebuilt.

Are concerts held inside? Yes, the church is also used for concerts in summer.