Le Christ des sommets, Bronze statue on Balmenhorn summit, Italy.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Italy).
Dufourspitze
2.7 km
Nordend
3.3 km
Grenzgipfel
2.7 km
Dunantspitze
2.7 km
Pointe Gnifetti
2.1 km
Pointe Zumstein
2.3 km
Castor
5.1 kmIndren Glacier
1.7 km
Vincent Pyramid
674 m
Punta Giordani
1.2 km
Schwarzhorn
330 m
Lys glacier
1.6 km
Liskamm Oriental
2 km
Balmenhorn
12 m
Pointe Parrot
1.2 km
Ludwigshöhe
533 m
Bivouac Felice Giordano
79 m
Western Lyskamm
3 km
Jägerhorn
4.6 km
Naso del Liskamm
1.8 kmSesia Glacier
2.3 km
Entdeckungsfels
949 m
Bors Glacier
2.1 km
Piode Glacier
1.2 km
Vigne Glacier
3 km
Bivacco Mamo Comotti
2.6 km
Grenzgletscher
4.3 km
Punta Tre Amici
4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes