Longeborgne Hermitage is a cave sanctuary clinging to a cliff in the Borgne gorge, above Bramois, near Sion. You reach it by climbing a Way of the Cross to discover two chapels carved into the rock and their collection of ex-votos.
Religious buildings
Main highlights
- A hermitage set into the cliff, a Valais pilgrimage site inhabited since 1522
- The largest collection of ex-votos in Valais, restored and dating from 1662 to the present day
- A 20-minute Way of the Cross climbing from Bramois through vineyards and forest
Overview
The Notre-Dame de Longeborgne Hermitage lies within the municipality of Sion, at an altitude of 595 m. Its buildings cling to the middle of a cliff several dozen metres high, above the Borgne gorge. It is one of the last inhabited hermitages in Switzerland.
Franciscans settled here in 1522 and built the chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Compassion. Benedictines have lived here since 1932. The site first served as a refuge for the people of Bramois, who stored their belongings here in times of danger. Graffiti carved into a wall, the oldest dating from 1542, bear witness to the long history of pilgrimages.
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What to see and do
The visit centres on two small chapels carved into the rock. Their walls are covered with ex-votos, paintings offered in thanks for a grace received. With nearly 200 paintings, this is the largest collection of ex-votos in Valais, dating from 1662 to the present day and fully restored in the late 1990s.
Most depict scenes of devotion to Our Lady, the Virgin Mary. Each painting tells a personal story of faith and offers a glimpse into Valais society of past centuries and into popular religious art.
The climb is part of the experience. A path follows the stations of a Way of the Cross, first through the vineyards of Bramois, then through forest to the foot of the cliff. The hermitage remains an active place of prayer, where a Benedictine monk lives and welcomes visitors.
Practical information
Access : on foot from the village of Bramois, where free parking is available. The easy, waymarked path takes about 20 minutes to climb.
Visit duration : allow for the 20-minute climb, the descent and time spent in the chapels.
Suitable for : the waymarked path is suitable for families with children.
On site : free access to the chapels and ex-votos, small terrace in front of the hermitage.
Visitor tips
Wear sturdy shoes : the path can be rocky in its forest section and slippery in winter conditions. March to November is the most pleasant time for the climb.
Please respect the silence and contemplative atmosphere of the site. It gets very busy on Fridays during Lent, when the terrace can hold up to 300 people.
Nearby attractions
- Tourbillon Castle, former residence of the Bishops of Sion, offers medieval ruins and a panoramic view over the town.
- The fortified 12th-century Valère Basilica is home to the oldest playable organ in the world.
- The Saint-Léonard Underground Lake, 300 m long, is a natural, navigable underground lake.
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