In an alpine village studio nestled near Rosenheim in Bavaria, Florian Blickenberger invites us to embark on an immersive journey into the world of jewellery craftsmanship. Here, we partake in a weekend workshop under his guidance, discovering the intricate art of crafting pendants. With meticulous attention to detail, we learn the delicate processes of sawing, grinding, and polishing silver pieces.
Florian Blickenberger, a former sommelier, embarked on a remarkable journey that led him back to his Bavarian roots. In 2015, he founded Mamma Bavaria, and today, he is renowned for his exquisite wedding jewellery, bracelets, and the iconic rose lapel pins. However, it is his signature silver summit crosses that truly capture the essence of his craft. These crosses, available in various designs inspired by the surrounding landscape, hold deeper significance for Florian, symbolizing life’s journey, extending in four directions, rather than serving as mere religious motifs.
A passionate climber and hiker, Florian takes us on an ascent to the Hochries mountain summit, reaching an elevation of 1,569 meters. Accompanied by hiking guide Stefanie Praml from Munich Wanderland, we delve into the history of summit crosses. Before mountaineering gained popularity, these crosses served as orienteering markers.
Stefanie Praml explains, “People didn’t voluntarily climb mountains then. It was only in the 18th century, with the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786, marking the birth of mountaineering, that summit crosses began to take on new roles—surveying, commemorating fallen soldiers, and serving as Christian symbols.”
This journey through Bavaria unearths the rich tapestry of tradition, craftsmanship, and natural beauty that defines the region, offering a glimpse into the heart of this enchanting corner of the world.
