Protestant Church La Punt

Completely different in character to the church of St. Andrea is the Protestant church of La Punt. Because of its distinctive tower – located over the choir, with an onion dome – it is also known as the “little Tyrolean church”. Built in 1680, and richly decorated – by Engadin standards – both inside and out, this baroque church occupies a compact space between two grand houses. According to an inscription in the choir, the building was lightly damaged in 1799 during hostilities between the French and Austrians. When you enter the picturesque churchyard from the street, you are especially struck by the ornate design and colouring of the baroque façade. Pilasters with Tuscan capitals, an original marbled entablature and sweeping volutes (spiral scrolls on the capitals of Ionic columns) give the façade a rare elegance. The interior, too, rewards closer inspection. The wealth of detail is exceptional for a Protestant church. Pilasters adorned with Ionic capitals line the nave, which is octagonal rather than rectangular in layout. Richly coloured stucco medallions adorn the ceiling of the nave and choir, and among the acanthus fronds on the capitals you can make out fifteen cherubs’ heads: a choir of angels to sing with the congregation.