For centuries, architects have been inspired by nature, mimicking forms or observing phenomena and translating the principles of the natural environment into the structure of a building. The conscious mimicking of nature is mainly based on biological forms, but architects also draw on patterns derived from geomorphic features. Important sources of architectural inspiration among the inanimate elements of nature are mountains as models of beauty, stones and rocks as “indestructible” elements, and rock crystals as symbols of perfection and light. The aim of the study is to attempt to analyse and interpret the building lumps of selected small chapels from the Alpine region in terms of their reference to the motif of mountains or rock crystals and the means of architectural expression used for this purpose. The article discusses the principles of form, colours, materials used, the relationship to the natural landscape and the symbolic meanings of the buildings. It has been shown that the buildings analysed bear the characteristics of organic architecture and reflect the relationship between human spirituality and nature. In them, architecture becomes a means of expression that is accentuated by the spiritual element of art.
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