Ziteil, Roman Catholic pilgrimage church in Salouf, Switzerland
Ziteil is a pilgrimage church positioned at 2434 meters on a mountain ridge between Piz Curvér and Piz Toissa in the Swiss Alps. The building was constructed in 1959 and sits exposed on this high alpine terrain, surrounded by rocky slopes and tundra-like vegetation.
The site became a pilgrimage destination in 1580 after a reported appearance of the Virgin Mary was documented in local records. The current structure was built in 1959 to accommodate the growing number of visitors to this high alpine location.
The building serves as a gathering point where people come together for services and celebrations, especially during summer months when mountain passes are snow-free. This practice connects communities across the region and sustains a long-standing mountain tradition.
Access is via marked hiking trails from Salouf, requiring proper mountain gear and weather preparation for the high-altitude route. Summer offers the easiest hiking conditions, though weather can change quickly and warm layers remain essential year-round.
The building holds the distinction of being the highest elevation pilgrimage church in Europe, drawing visitors from around the world. This distinction makes it a destination for mountain explorers and those seeking remote high-altitude experiences beyond typical religious pilgrimage.
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