Symbolism and Myth of Mountains, Stone, and Light as Expressed in Sacred Architecture

This chapter raises the question of how can the designs of mountain places of worship relate to the majestic exteriors of rock formations while also creating a human scaled space that invites the worshiper to experience its desired spiritual solitude. In answering this question I examine two mountain churches in Ticino, Switzerland, designed by Mario Botta to illustrate the challenges and opportunities of mountainous settings: the Chapel of St. Mary of the Angels, built in Monte Tamaro, 1990–96 (Figure 9.1); and the San Giovanni Battista Church, Built in Mogno, 1992–98.