Ever since the 13th century and at more than 2000 meters above sea level, travellers, pilgrims, and merchants have found refuge in the old hospice located in the frugal landscape of the St. Gotthard Pass which was renovated by Miller & Maranta in 2010.
One of the most symbolic alpine passes of Europe is the pass “St. Gotthard”. Since centuries, it is the most important road connection between the Italian and the German-speaking part of Switzerland and at the same time it’s also a significant inter-European road connection. The assembly of buildings on the top of the pass is evidence of this rich and diverse history.
Repeatedly destroyed by war, fire, and landslides and then rebuilt, the originally heterogeneous building ascends defiantly and archaically within the landscape, extended by an additional story beneath the new lead-clad roof.
Today, the architectural potential lies within the volume: its firm and proud expression, situated on the top of the pass, exposed to the hard mountain climate, and carrying an upright south facing the main facade. As a visitor, these elements have a strong visual effect.
