This article examines crosses and other religious symbols on summits in the Apennines and the Alps, mapped by
altimetric bands. These anthropic signs have different causes and effects on the cultural and environmental levels.
Using citizen science models, after mapping the 2,000-metre peaks in the Apennines, we conducted surveys of those
of 3,000 metres in the Dolomites, and of 4,000 metres in Protected Areas within the Italian Alps. We suggest that our
mapping of these cultural sites should be exported as a shared practice with other Italian and cross-border Alpine
associations to preserve the historical memory of the signs on the peaks. In the light of the quantitative and qualita-
tive results, and considering the impact of the symbols on the landscape and ecosystems, it is recommended that no
new artefacts should be built, in order to transmit the concepts of restraint and naturalness to future generations; the
sustainable use of stone cairns should be preferred. An ecological re-purposing of some summit crosses as temporary
high-altitude meteorological stations is suggested, with the aim of collecting data and increasing our knowledge of
climate change.