Exhibition Church of St. Martin

Using contemporary museological means, the exhibition contributes to the understanding of the church ceiling and medieval imagery. Visitors are given information about the historical and geographical environment in which such a work of art could be created. The exhibition provides an insight into the painter's workshop of a medieval artist. It shows the special construction of the ceiling and reports on the state of preservation and age determination of the panels. The pictorial program and the meaning of the paintings are explained in a short film. Individual themes of the picture ceiling are presented in more detail. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the world view of the Middle Ages.

The themes of the exhibition

• The road to Zillis
• The medieval view of the world
• Church of St. Martin
• Ceiling construction
• Age determination
• Pictorial program
• Signs and gestures
• Special exhibition on topics related to the region

Groups

Group visits to the exhibition must be booked in advance by telephone on +41 81 661 22 55 or by e-mail to ausstellung@zillis-st-martin.ch. A guided tour can also be arranged by prior arrangement, see below.

Guided tours of the exhibition/church

For individual guests: In July and August, every Tuesday at 15.00 m. No registration required. Costs CHF 6.00 per adult, CHF 4.00 per child. Meeting point: In front of the exhibition, Hauptstrasse 28, Zillis.
For groups: At any time by appointment. Price CHF 120.00, plus entrance fees. Reservation Tel.: +41 81 661 22 55 or mail to ausstellung@zillis-st-martin.ch.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed in the exhibition. Exceptions are small dogs, which can be carried in a bag.

Project “Tgea da Schons”

The church ceiling of St. Martin's Church in Zillis, also known as the “Sistine of the Alps”, consists of 153 unique square panels that were created in the 12th century. Every year, around 20,000 people visit this work of art in the mountain community south of the Viamala Gorge. The historical valley museum “Tgea da Schons” is to be expanded in order to enhance the cultural experience and protect the cultural heritage. A permanent exhibition on the Romanesque picture ceiling of St. Martin's Church will promote cultural understanding and raise awareness of the need to preserve the ceiling. Other exhibitions will focus on the history of Val Schons as a mule-trading village and the region's domestic culture. These exhibitions are intended to complement each other and create synergies. A cultural room next to the church will serve as a place of encounter and inspiration and host seminars, courses and cultural events. A café is planned as a meeting place for visitors to the exhibitions and locals to promote regional exchange and revitalize village life.

• Further information on the project