The sacred mountain of Donon: a millennia-old story

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The Donon is a mountain located in Alsace, on the border between France and Germany. Its height of 812 meters makes it the highest point of the Vosges massif. The mountain is famous for its millennia-old history, its medieval architecture, and its many legends.



The sacred mountain of Donon: a millennia-old history

The sacred mountain of Donon is a mountain located in Alsace, France. It is considered sacred by Celtic and Germanic peoples, who erected a temple there. The mountain is also known as the birthplace of the Meuse River. The mountain of Donon is the highest point of the Black Forest, reaching 916 meters in altitude. The mountain was formed about 700 million years ago during the collision of the European and African tectonic plates. The mountain is composed of granite, gneiss, and schist. The mountain is covered with a forest of beech, oak, pine, and fir trees. The fauna of the Donon mountain includes wild boars, deer, squirrels, rabbits, birds, and reptiles. The Donon mountain is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and winter sports enthusiasts. The mountain is also known for its Celtic temple, erected in honor of the Celtic god Mercury. The temple was built in the 1st century BC and consists of eight granite columns. The Donon mountain is also the birthplace of the Meuse River. The river springs from a cave located about 700 meters above sea level, on the northern slope of the mountain.



Donon, a sacred site in the Vosges

The Donon plateau, located in the Vosges, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The mountain has been consecrated to many pagan gods and became a Christian sacred site in the Middle Ages. The site is known for its many caves and its church, built at the summit of the mountain.

The Donon mountain has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times. The first traces of occupation date back to about 30,000 years before our era. At that time, the inhabitants of the Donon plateau were hunter-gatherers. They lived in caves and used the many rocks of the mountain as shelters. The first traces of worship on the site date back to about 10,000 years before our era. At that time, the site was dedicated to many pagan gods, whose names are unknown to us.

In the Middle Ages, the site became a Christian sacred place. The Church of Saint Stephen was built at the summit of the mountain in the 11th century. It became one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Alsace. The site is also known for its many caves. The Donon cave is the most famous. It is located about 200 meters from the church and is known for its many sculptures.

Today, the Donon site is still a place of Christian worship. The Church of Saint Stephen is open to the public, and the Donon cave is accessible to visitors. The mountain is also a popular hiking location.



Donon, a high place of worship

Donon is a mountain located in the Vosges, on the border between France and Germany. It is known to be a high place of worship for several thousand years. Indeed, the first vestiges date back to the Neolithic, but it is from the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age that the elements of worship multiply. At that time, the Gaulish peoples worshipped many gods and goddesses, the most famous being the gods of the Celtic pantheon: Lug, Taranis, Esus, Belenus… The Donon mountain is particularly associated with Lug, the god of war, lightning, and light.

Vestiges of temples, statues, and sanctuaries are still visible today at the summit of the mountain, testifying to the importance of the worship paid to Donon over the centuries. The most famous of these statues is that of the goddess Epona, revered by horsemen and warriors. It is believed that the worship rendered to the Donon mountain was primarily focused on war and the protection of territories.

Today, the Donon is a highly frequented pilgrimage site, especially by followers of Druidism. Every year, on June 21, the day of the summer solstice celebration, thousands of people gather at the summit of the mountain to honor the god Lug. A large bonfire is then lit, and purification rituals are performed. The Donon is a place rich in history and spirituality that continues to fascinate many people.



The sacred mountain of Donon: a gem of the Vosges

The Donon is a mountain located in the Vosges. It is the highest point of the Vosges mountain range and the Black Forest. The mountain is famous for its millennia-old history and its medieval architecture. The Donon is a sacred mountain for Celts, Germans, and Christians. The mountain is also known for its many caves and hiking trails.

The sacred mountain of Donon is a Celtic mountain located in the Vosges. The mountain is the highest point of the Vosges range and the Black Forest. The mountain is famous for its millennia-old history and its medieval architecture. The Donon is a sacred mountain for Celts, Germans, and Christians. The mountain is also known for its many caves and hiking trails.

The Donon is a Celtic mountain located in the Vosges. It is the highest point of the Vosges range and the Black Forest. The mountain is famous for its millennia-old history and its medieval architecture. The Donon is a sacred mountain for Celts, Germans, and Christians. The mountain is also known for its many caves and hiking trails.



Donon, an exceptional natural and historical site

The sacred mountain of Donon is an exceptional natural and historical site. Located in the Northern Vosges, in Alsace, the Donon is the highest point of the Vosges at 1,084 meters of altitude. It is a mythical and sacred mountain, as it has witnessed many historical and religious events.

The Donon is a mountain rich in history. Thus, there are traces of prehistory, antiquity, and the Middle Ages. Indeed, flint tools dating from -30,000 years have been found on the site. Moreover, vestiges of fortresses and cities dating from antiquity have also been uncovered. Finally, the Donon witnessed many wars in the Middle Ages, notably the war between the Armagnacs and Burgundians.

The Donon is also a sacred mountain. Indeed, it has been the site of many cults and religious rituals. Thus, vestiges of temples dedicated to Mercury and Ceres have been discovered. Moreover, the Donon was the site of several pilgrimages in the Middle Ages. Finally, the site is still frequented by faithful, especially during the Pentecost celebration.

Today, the Donon is a protected natural and historical site. Indeed, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. Additionally, the site is visited by thousands of visitors each year.



The Donon is a sacred mountain located in Alsace, France. It is considered one of the oldest sacred mountains in Europe, as it has been frequented by peoples from the Neolithic era. The mountain has been the site of many ceremonies and rituals throughout its millennia-old history. It is now a place of pilgrimage and tourism, and it continues to play an important role in Alsatian culture.

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