Kulthöhle Zillis

Kulthöhle Zillis is an archaeological site in the municipality of Zillis-Reischen, in the Schams valley of the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The cave lies south of the village on the bank of the Rhine. It served as a cult site in late antiquity and later as a burial place, and it is regarded as an outstanding European witness to the beliefs of that transitional era.

What is the Zillis cult cave?

The Archäologischer Dienst Graubünden excavated the cave in several campaigns during the 1990s. The results appeared in the 2021 volume "Zillis. Von der spätantiken Kulthöhle zum frühmittelalterlichen Bestattungsplatz" (series Archäologie Graubünden), written by Christa Ebnöther, Anna Flückiger and Markus Peter. An earlier study of the Roman-period cult site near Zillis, by Jürg Rageth, dates from 1994.

How was the cave used?

3rd to 5th century. A wooden wall closed off the cave, so only a small community of initiates could enter. They gathered here for rituals and honoured a deity. Finds include a ritual vessel decorated with modelled snakes, pottery, glass and soapstone vessels, and roughly 13,000 animal bones. Votive offerings include almost 650 coins.

From the 6th century. A bone carved with a cross links the cave to Christians. Soon afterwards it became the tomb of three chosen believers.

7th and 8th century. Later burials were made in a cemetery in front of the cave, where seven graves have been investigated.

What can you see in Zillis?

The cave is mainly a scientific and historical site rather than a developed visitor attraction. Check access with the Viamala regional tourist information before you travel. The village itself is worth a stop for the Romanesque church of St Martin and its famous painted ceiling. It is a separate monument, but together with the cave it shows how religious life in the Schams valley changed over the centuries. According to the Historical Lexicon of Switzerland, the first sanctuary at Zillis dates to around 500, and the first church, a three-apse hall, to the 8th century.

How do you get to Zillis?

Zillis lies in the Schams valley on the road through the Viamala gorge. You can reach it by car from Thusis or from the direction of the Splügen and San Bernardino passes. The village's name in Romansh is Ziràn.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn are the easiest seasons, with long days and open roads. In winter the Schams is cold and snowy, and some smaller sights are hard to reach.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Zillis cult cave in use? Cult activity took place in the 3rd to 5th century, in late antiquity. From the 6th century the site was linked to Christians, and later it served for burials.

Who investigated the cave? The Archäologischer Dienst Graubünden excavated it in the 1990s. The findings were published in 2021.

What are the most important finds? A ritual vessel with snakes, about 13,000 animal bones and almost 650 votive coins.

Is it the same as the church of St Martin in Zillis? No. The church with the painted ceiling is a separate monument in the village. The cave lies outside the centre, on the Rhine.