Hospice

Hospice, the name given to the pious establishments for sheltering travellers, maintained by monastic persons, usually in connection with monasteries. One of the best known in inhospitable regions is that on the Alpine pass of Great St Bernard (see ST BERNARD), of which mention is made as early as 1125. Travellers are lodged and boarded gratuitously, but those who can, deposit a suitable present in the alms-box. Similar establishments are found on the Simplon, the Little St Bernard, and the Bernina.