At the end of the Eighties the global recognition of Alpine architecture coincided with a profound shift in architectural media, particularly journalism. Photographic images played an increasing role in the reproduction of architecture in journals. In this overview, the important position of some sacred works is discussed, as they competed for the covers of renowned magazines, ultimately becoming icons of the new Alpine architecture. The article analyses the reasons behind this success by studying three emblematic cases in the Central Alps: the Chapels Sogn Benedetg by Peter Zumthor, St. Nepomuk by Christian Kerez in the Graubünden, and the Salgenreute Chapel by Bernardo Bader in Vorarlberg.
