Viamala

Viamala
Viamala with the two generations of bridges visible
Location	Graubünden
Floor elevation	approx. 842 metres (2,800 ft)
Long-axis length	5 kilometres (3.1 mi)
Width	0.5 to 0.006 kilometre (0.31 to 0.0037 mi)
Geography
Coordinates	46°39′46″N 9°26′56″E

Pothole

Viamala in a drawing by J. W. Goethe; 1 June 1788

Viamala or Via Mala (Romansch:bad path) is an ancient and notorious section of the Hinterrhein River between Zillis-Reischen and Thusis in the Canton of Graubünden. This narrow gorge was the most serious obstacle on the approach to the two mountain passes: the Splügen and San Bernardino Passes.

History

1473 Viamala letter of intent

During this period more and more of the transit traffic (vital for the region) was conducted via Septimer Pass instead of Splügen Pass. This was supported by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor, who forbade the local Count of Werdenberg to build a new path in 1359 in order to support the power of the loyal Bishop at Chur, controlling the route via Septimer Pass.

In 1473 the Count of Werdenberg allowed the municipalities and transport cooperatives of Thusis, Masein and Cazis to rebuild the passage, then in desolate condition: die richstrass und den waeg entzwüschend Tusis und Schams, so man nempt Fyamala zuo howen, uffzuorichten und ze machen . The Roman part of the path built into the rock was renovated and the first bridge built of rock, Punt da Tgiern, was erected. The last part of the letter mentions that the cooperatives would be accountable for load, horses and also “chariot or sled” which indicates a high level of technical finishing. In the northern part of the gorge this new path did not follow the Roman path crossing to the right of the river but stayed on the left bank of the river. This led to many conflicts during the years as both villages at the respective ends of the path were fighting for their access and the resulting income. In 1665 Schams was temporarily excluded from the Grey League for supporting the path towards Fürstenau, leading to non-Grey League territory.

Modern era

Touristic access at the gorge

During 1738–1739 two bridges were built, to twice cross the river and avoid the worst part of the Roman path via the right bank of the river. Later, state engineer Richard La Nicca built a complete new road during 1818–1821 including more tunnels connecting the three existing bridges. The access to the 1473 rock bridge Punt da Tgiern was destroyed in 1834, leaving the unhurt bridge useless and left for disintegration. In 1836 the new Rania Bridge was erected instead further north and is still being used today for the main road.

An additional bridge called Premoli Bridge was constructed in 1936 to relief the southern 1738 bridge which is still in place and can be crossed by foot. The northern bridge of 1738 was replaced two years later with no remains of it.

In 1958 a new northern part of the road to Rongellen was built using longer tunnels and in 1967 a new expressway was opened including San Bernardino Tunnel and year-round traffic (whereas both road passes were closed in winter). This road uses a 742 m long tunnel to avoid the narrow gorge and crosses the gorge on a long stretched bridge in its southern part. Finally the 1958-built part between Thusis and Rongellen was replaced by a 2171 m long tunnel called Crapteig in 1996.

To connect the visible remains of the Roman path, a bridge called Traversinersteg was erected in 1996 for pedestrians. This bridge was destroyed in 1999 and replaced by a (safer) bridge in 2005, which is at the same time a bridge as well as a stair.

Literature

• Armon Planta: Verkehrswege im alten Rätien Band 4. Verlag Bündner Monatsblatt, Chur 1990. ISBN 3-905241-06-4
• Friedrich Pieth: Bündnergeschichte. 2. Auflage. Verlag F. Schuler, Chur 1982. ISBN 3-85894-002-X

See also

• List of highest paved roads in Europe
• List of mountain passes

External links

• Switzerland gorge Viamala, Graubünden on official tourist board