Torre Belvedere
Pro Natura nature centre in a historic tower above Maloja with an exhibition on Alpine diversity, a roof terrace and glacial potholes.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Torre Belvedere was built from 1882 as part of Belvedere Castle, the private residence of the Belgian Count Camille de Renesse. The count dreamed of an Alpine residence for the European aristocracy in Maloja, but ran out of money shortly after construction began, so the castle was only more or less completed after his death. Alongside the Hotel Palace, the Hotel Schweizerhaus and the Segantinihaus, the tower is one of the landmarks of this era.
The castle later served as a hotel and as an educational institute. After a fire only the tower remained standing, the annexe was largely demolished, and the stables survive only as ruins. In 1953 the Swiss League for Nature Protection, today Pro Natura, acquired the site with its mountain pine forest and glacial potholes and established a nature reserve there.
Today the tower is the nature centre of Pro Natura Graubünden. Over four floors, the exhibition "Alpine Diversity – Experience Biodiversity in the Torre Belvedere" shows the variety of species in the Alpine region; the roof terrace offers views of the Engadin and the Val Bregaglia. Around the tower, a themed trail and a circuit lead to the glacial potholes of the reserve.
Highlights
- Four-storey exhibition "Alpine Diversity" on biodiversity in the Alps
- Roof terrace with views of the Engadin and the Val Bregaglia
- Glacial potholes in the nature reserve and the "Stiller Pakt" themed trail
- Treasure-hunt-style trail for children
- Historic tower from 1882 above Maloja
Permanent exhibitions
- Alpenvielfalt – Erfahre Biodiversität im Torre Belvedere – Interactive exhibition on four floors about the biodiversity of the Alps, with a children's trail and a roof terrace as the finale.
- Themenweg „Stiller Pakt“ – Poetically designed trail in the reserve that lets visitors experience the diversity of species and the fragility of the moor.
- Operated by
- Pro Natura Graubünden
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 5 |
|---|
Pro Natura asks for a supporting contribution of CHF 5 per person for the exhibition and the upkeep of the building.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to Pro Natura, the tower and the reserve are not wheelchair accessible.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
For children, the exhibition has a trail with stations where they learn through play; there is also a family hiking recommendation to the glacial potholes around Maloja.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Maloja
By train to St. Moritz and onward by PostBus to Maloja, or from Italy by PostBus from Chiavenna to Maloja. Pro Natura recommends travelling by public transport.
By car
Parking available
Public car parks at the Post Maloja, at the Passhöhe car park and at Faraira/Tennis Maloja.
Amenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
From mid-June to mid-October, a compost toilet (Kompotoi) is available near the tower; another toilet is located at the tourist office at the Post Maloja.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The nature centre includes the exhibition in the tower, the roof terrace, the "Stiller Pakt" themed trail and the circuit to the glacial potholes in the reserve. |
|---|
