Great St Bernard Pass, Mountain pass between Valais, Switzerland and Aosta Valley, Italy.
Great St Bernard is a mountain pass that crosses the Swiss Alps and connects the canton of Valais with the Aosta Valley in Italy. The route winds through severe high-mountain terrain and demands careful navigation, especially during the cold months.
Romans built a path over the pass in ancient times, and this trade route was followed for centuries afterward. A hospice was established later and made the location an important stopping point for people crossing the mountains.
The hospice on the pass was founded to help travelers, and it continues to shape life at this location today. The monks there have passed down their duties across centuries and remain part of the local identity.
A tunnel beneath the pass enables year-round access, making crossing much easier than traveling the open road used before. The route is well marked, but travelers should prepare for changeable weather and sharp curves.
The pass is known for extreme winter conditions when thick snow layers cover the mountain and cold reaches some of the sharpest temperatures in the European Alps. These harsh conditions make it a challenging destination, most accessible to visitors during certain seasons.
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