A short History of the Avers Valley

20 August 2025

The lower valley section (Campsut, Campsur, Cröt, and Platta) was inhabited in Roman times, whereas the upper part, between Cresta and Juf, served only as pastureland. An indication of this habitation is the persistence of Roman names in use today.

The first written mention of Avers (Canton Graubünden) can be found in the statute book of the city of Como from 1289, in connection with the settlement of mercenaries from Wallis in the Avers valley.

Avers belonged to the County of Scham until the mid-14th century. The municipality of Avers had its own seal in 1396. This shows a jumping ibex, indicating the connection with the Gotteshausbund.

Between 1520 and 1525, the inhabitants of the valley converted to the Protestant faith and sided with the Franco-Venetian forces during the Bündner Wirren (1619-1639).

Before the construction of the road to Avers-Cresta as a branch of the Splügenweg in the “Roffla” in the years 1890-1895, there was only a poor mule track between Schams and Avers.

Between 1958 and 1962, the construction of the dam and power plants in the Val di Lei was completed, and the road was extended to the village of Avers-Juf.

Avers-Juf

Thanks to this improved accessibility, tourism also experienced significant growth. Due to its remote location, Avers has been spared from war campaigns and devastation since the 14th century. The culturally and historically valuable buildings, some dating back to the 16th century, as well as the original settlement structures, have been mainly preserved.

Avers-Juf