SHARRYLAND
Tyrol's highest shrine, Latzfonser Kreuz
On the altar, the revered "Schwarzer Gott"
Where is
What it is and where it is
Amid the peaks of the Sarentine Alps, overlooking the mountain village of Lazfons/Latzfons (m. 1161, municipality of Klausen), lies one of the highest places of worship in Europe, the shrine of the Holy Cross of Lazfons/Latzfonser Kreuz (2311 m.). Located next to the hut of the same name, the little 18th-century church, which during the summer houses the large crucifix of the "Schwarzer Herrgott," revered by the local population, lies at the foot of the Rizlar and St. Cassian peaks which, at 2581 m., is the highest in the Sarentine Alps.
Why it is special
The splendid location of the high mountain hut, with a magnificent panorama to the east, toward the pale peaks of the Dolomites; the aura of mystery and sacredness that surrounds these places, which have always been sanctuaries of ancient cults... it is undeniable: those who climb up here are pervaded by the magic of this place.
Not to be missed
From Croce di Lazfons there is a rapturous view of much of the eastern Dolomites, from the spires of the Odle di Eores and Funes to beyond the pinnacles of Catinaccio and Latemar. In addition, a visit to the impressive "Schwar zer Gott " the Black God, the crucifix that dominates the inner hall of the little church, is a mystical prelude to samplings of the rustic and delicious dishes at the nearby refuge: how to restore spirit and body in unison!
A bit of history
Archaeologists date the mysterious stone circles upstream from the chapel to the Bronze Age, believing them to be probable "ustrinae," or prehistoric cinerary burials. The small church in its present form dates back to the 18th century, but popular Christian worship must be much older. The chapel was elevated to protect against violent Alpine weather right at the meeting point of ancient communication paths between the Sarntal and the Eisack Valley, the Brenner corridor.
Curiosity
The "Schwarzer Gott" is carried in solemn procession at the end of June to the little mountain church by the people of Lazfons, who worship it there throughout the summer. Another important religious festival is that of St. Magdalene (July 19), patron saint of the alpine pastures, during which the faithful from the surrounding areas come on pilgrimage to the St. Cross of Lazfons, where a solemn mass is celebrated on the meadows and the celebrations are concluded with a hearty community picnic. It seems that the dark color of the large 18th-century crucifix is due to painting done with ox blood and liquid pitch.
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