Great St Bernard Hospice, Mountain hut and religious community in Bourg-Saint-Pierre, Switzerland.
The hospice sits at nearly 2500 meters elevation in the Swiss Alps at a pass connecting Switzerland and Italy. The facility has served travelers for centuries, providing overnight accommodation and shared meals for guests.
A saint named Bernard founded this place in the 11th century to aid travelers on their perilous mountain crossing. For many generations, the hospice continued its mission of welcoming guests and providing shelter.
The site is named after Saint Bernard of Menthon and houses a small sanctuary that draws visitors from around the world. Guests can observe the handcrafted religious objects and sacred spaces that shape the daily prayer life of the monks living here.
The location welcomes visitors year-round with simple rooms and communal meals for guests. An adjacent building expands the available lodging during the warmer months.
Between the 17th century and the early 2000s, the hospice bred a famous dog breed that assisted in mountain rescue work. These dogs became known worldwide and still bear the site's name today.
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