History of Hohe Salve & Salvenkirchlein

Hohe Salve with its widely visibly top (1829 metres) bears the additional name “Rigi of Tyrol” for a long time – and justifiably so. It offers a panorama view which can definitely be on a par with many other panorama views of mountain tops in the Alps. The popularity of Hohe Salve has definitely to do with its approachability – as early as mountain hiking was still an adventure, Hohe Salve was a much frequented excursion destination.

Quite interesting is the history of Hohe Salve and its little mountain church. The valleys around Hohe Salve were early populated. The natives of these valleys who were of Celtic or Germanic descent have celebrated their sun festivals on Hohe Salve. The Christianity has then led over these festivals and the blessing of the mountain church to the saint of solstice – “John the Baptist”.

In year 1589, the church on Hohe Salve was firstly mentioned as a subsidiary of the church of Brixen which was on the other hand already called by Archbishop Arno in 788. The mountain church was reconstructed in 1612. Five years later, in 1617, the first holy Mass was said by Pastor Ambros Strasser.

By lightning, the church got destroyed another time in 1640 and was again reconstructed from 1642 to 1643. The church was blessed on August, 24th, 1643, by count of Spauer who was the prince-bishop of Chiemsee.

Until 1767, the church was damaged 17 times by lightning. Dean Wieshofer from St. Johann built the first lightning conductor in 1784.

Every Wednesday, from July to September, there is read a holy Mass at 11am in the mountain church.