Rocca Patanua

Rocca Patanua is a mountain summit in the Alps with an elevation around 2,400 meters and distinctive rock faces on its eastern side. The eastern slopes show little snow throughout the year and often appear dry and rocky.

The mountain was the site of a tragedy in 1923 when three climbers lost their lives on its slopes. Their memory is preserved through three towers built later near Bardonecchia.

The name comes from Piedmontese dialect, referring to the bare rocky face on the eastern side that defines its appearance. This distinctive exposed rock wall makes the mountain instantly recognizable from a distance.

Reaching the summit involves following marked trails that start from Prarotto Chapel and pass through the Alpe Formica valley. The route offers clear landmarks along the ridge between Pissaglio and Gravio.

The mountain contains an official geodetic survey point established by the Italian Military Geographic Institute. This trigonometric marker serves for precise mapping and is part of a larger surveying network.

Location: Piedmont

Elevation above the sea: 2,409 m

GPS coordinates: 45.17834,7.21965

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:04