Le Christ des sommets, Bronze statue on Balmenhorn summit, Italy.
Christ des Sommets is a bronze statue standing at 4,167 meters on the Balmenhorn summit in the Monte Rosa massif within Valle d'Aosta region. The figure was constructed in separate sections and overlooks the surrounding high mountain landscape.
Italian sculptor Alfredo Bai, a World War II resistance fighter, pledged to create this memorial after victory. Alpine troops later transported and assembled the work on the summit.
The statue carries different names in local languages: Cristo delle vette in Italian, Christ des Sommets in French, and Christus der Gipfel in German. These variations reflect how the Alpine region embraces multiple cultures and traditions.
The statue sits on the hiking route between Giovanni Gnifetti refuge and Queen Margherita refuge at high altitude. Visitors should prepare for extreme elevation and demanding mountain terrain.
The work was crafted in eleven parts to allow transport to the extreme altitude. Assembly took place after a grueling alpine ascent by specialized mountain troops.
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