Chessiloch, Rock formation with military murals in Grellingen, Switzerland
Chessiloch is a rock formation near Grellingen decorated with military motifs and heraldic paintings created by stationed soldiers over several decades. The walls display coats of arms from Swiss cantons and landscape scenes distributed across the stone surface.
The rock face was guarded by over 60 Swiss military units during World War I at a strategic post protecting a railway bridge in the region. The paintings were created during these guard periods, documenting the presence and activities of stationed troops.
The rock walls display coats of arms from different Swiss cantons painted by soldiers who served here during their guard shifts. These images reflect local and regional identity through the hands of those stationed at the site.
The rock face is accessible by foot paths and the paintings are clearly visible from the front, with details best seen in daylight. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since access involves walking over uneven ground near the rock formation.
Soldiers used their long guard duties as an opportunity to express artistic skills on the rock wall, creating an unintended outdoor gallery. This spontaneous creative activity transformed a military outpost into a visual record of their experience during those years.
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