Great St. Bernard Hospice
The Great St. Bernard Hospice, founded around 1050 by Saint Bernard of Menthon, is a historic hospice and hostel for travelers situated at the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps. Operated by a community of canons regular, it has a long tradition of aiding those crossing the treacherous mountain pass. The hospice is famously associated with the development of the St. Bernard dog breed, originally used for rescue operations.
Key Facts
- ›Founded around 1050 by Saint Bernard of Menthon.
- ›Located at the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps, near the Italian border.
- ›Has been operated by a community of canons regular since its founding.
- ›The St. Bernard dog breed was developed at the hospice for mountain rescue.
- ›The hospice has a history of assisting travelers and combating mountain brigandage.
- ›Napoleon Bonaparte ordered a monumental tomb for Louis Desaix to be built at the hospice.
St. Bernard Dog Breed Origin, Historic Hostel For Travelers, Monumental Tomb For Louis Desaix
Hospice Du Grand St-Bernard, Ospizio Del Gran San Bernardo, Hospiz Auf Dem Grossen St. Bernhard
Saint Bernard of Menthon, Louis Desaix, Napoleon Bonaparte
- Destruction of Earlier Hospice By Saracens In the Mid-10th Century
- Founding of the Hospice By Saint Bernard of Menthon Around 1050
- Napoleon Bonaparte Ordering A Tomb For Louis Desaix In 1800
About Great St. Bernard Hospice
The Great St. Bernard Hospice
The Great St. Bernard Hospice, known in Latin sources as the Hospitium Sancti Bernardi Magni, is a historic hospice and hostel for travelers situated at the summit of the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps. Founded around 1050 by Saint Bernard of Menthon, the hospice has been continuously operated by a community of canons regular, dedicated to providing refuge and assistance to those crossing this treacherous mountain route.
History and Purpose
The origins of the hospice trace back to earlier structures built in the 9th century, which were destroyed by Saracen incursions around 940. Saint Bernard of Menthon, moved by the plight of travelers facing brigandage and harsh conditions, established the hospice at the pass. Initially dedicated to St. Nicholas, it was placed under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Sion, which influenced the pass's territorial division. The hospice's primary role has always been to offer shelter, aid, and safety to pilgrims and travelers navigating the challenging alpine terrain.
The St. Bernard Dog
Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the Great St. Bernard Hospice is its association with the St. Bernard dog breed. Developed at the hospice from the mid-17th century onwards, these robust dogs were initially used for guard duties before becoming legendary mountain rescue animals. Their strength, ability to navigate deep snow, and keen sense of smell made them invaluable in locating and aiding lost travelers. The famous tales of Barry, a celebrated rescue dog who saved forty lives, and the popular depiction of the dogs carrying brandy flasks, underscore their iconic status.
Notable Associations and Cultural Impact
The hospice has been a site of historical significance, including Napoleon Bonaparte's order in 1800 to construct a monumental tomb at the hospice for Louis Desaix, who was killed at the Battle of Marengo. The Great St. Bernard Hospice has also captured the imagination of writers, serving as a setting or inspiration in literary works such as Charles Dickens's Little Dorrit and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem 'Excelsior'. While the active breeding of St. Bernard dogs has transitioned to the Barry Foundation, the hospice continues its mission as an active hostel and a testament to centuries of hospitality and humanitarian service in the Alps.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Great St. Bernard Hospice founded?
The hospice was founded around 1050 by Saint Bernard of Menthon. Earlier structures existed in the 9th century at Bourg-Saint-Pierre, but these were destroyed by Saracen incursions.
What is the significance of the St. Bernard dogs to the hospice?
The St. Bernard dog breed was created at the hospice from cross-breeding dogs. They were originally raised as guard dogs and later became renowned mountain rescue dogs, saving numerous lives.
Is the Great St. Bernard Hospice still operational?
Yes, the hospice continues to operate as a hostel for travelers, maintained by a community of canons regular. While the breeding of the St. Bernard dogs has moved to the Barry Foundation, some animals are still temporarily relocated to the hospice during summer months.
Where is the Great St. Bernard Hospice located?
The hospice is located at the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Pennine Alps, at an elevation of 2,469 meters (8,100 ft). It is a few hundred meters north of the border with Italy and is part of the municipality of Bourg-Saint-Pierre in Switzerland.
Are there any famous figures associated with the hospice?
Saint Bernard of Menthon is the founder. Napoleon Bonaparte also ordered a monumental tomb for Louis Desaix to be built at the hospice.
Related Monasteries
All Saints Abbey
All Saints Abbey was a former Benedictine monastery located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, founded in 1049 by Eberhard von Nellenburg. It played a significant role in the region's history and development, eventually becoming the site for the Museum zu Allerheiligen. The abbey church, Münster Allerheiligen, is the oldest building in Schaffhausen.
Montheron Abbey
Montheron Abbey is a historic monastery located near Lausanne, Switzerland, originally established by the Cistercians in 1045. Although closed down in the 16th century, its abbey church continued to serve as a Reformed church and later saw its facade redesigned in the Baroque style in 1782. The site remains a significant historical landmark.
Münchenwiler Priory
Münchenwiler Priory was founded in 1080-81 as a Cluniac priory in Switzerland, serving as a waypoint for pilgrims on the Way of St. James. Though damaged multiple times by local wars, it eventually lost its importance and was secularized in 1530 after Bern adopted the Protestant Reformation. The priory church and buildings were subsequently converted into a castle, which has since undergone several ownership changes and expansions, eventually becoming a hotel and convention center.