Great St Bernard Pass
Wallis
The Great St Bernard Pass is a significant mountain pass in the Pennine Alps, situated at an elevation of 2,469 meters, connecting the Rhône Valley in Switzerland with the Aosta Valley in Italy. Known historically as Mont-Joux or Mons Jovis, it has been a vital transit route since the early Iron Age and was one of the main Alpine crossings during the Roman era. The pass is flanked by notable peaks such as Grande Chenalette and Mont Mort and features the Lac du Grand St-Bernard nearby. A hospice founded in the 11th century by Saint Bernard of Menthon and Irmengard served pilgrims and travelers, and the hospice is famously associated with the breeding of the St Bernard dogs, renowned for their rescue work in the Alps. The pass also played a strategic role throughout medieval times and was crossed by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800 during his Italian campaign. Today, it remains a natural and historical landmark, with the Great St Bernard Tunnel facilitating modern transit beneath the pass.
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Tip: The best time to visit is during the warmer months when the pass is accessible by road, as it is often closed in winter due to snow. Visitors are advised to check weather and road conditions in advance. Booking accommodations or guided tours at the hospice in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The pass offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, and local visitor centers provide information on hiking routes and the history of the area. Discounts may be available for groups or with combined tickets to nearby attractions.
Interesting facts
- •The pass was named after Saint Bernard of Menthon, who founded the hospice in the 11th century to aid pilgrims and travelers.
- •The hospice bred the St Bernard dogs, famous for rescuing lost or injured travelers in the snow, with the dog Barry credited with saving over 40 lives.
- •Napoleon Bonaparte crossed the pass in May 1800 during his military campaign to Italy.
- •The pass was known in Roman times as Mons Jovis (Mountain of Jupiter), where a temple to the local god Poeninus once stood.
- •The Great St Bernard Tunnel runs beneath the pass, connecting Martigny in Switzerland to Aosta in Italy, facilitating modern transport.
History
The Great St Bernard Pass has been used since the early Iron Age, serving as a crucial route through the Alps for Roman armies and traders, mentioned by Julius Caesar and other classical authors.
In the Middle Ages, the pass was an important pilgrimage route known as the Via Francigena, with a hospice established in the 11th century by Saint Bernard of Menthon to aid travelers.
The hospice also bred the famous St Bernard rescue dogs.
The pass remained under the control of the Counts and later Dukes of Savoy, serving as a strategic link between northern and southern regions.
In 1800, Napoleon famously crossed the pass during his campaign to Italy, cementing its historical importance.
Place Guide
Bernard Hospice11th century
An ancient hospice founded in the 11th century to shelter pilgrims and travelers crossing the Alps. It is famous for its historical role and for breeding the St Bernard rescue dogs.
St Bernard Dogs11th century
Large rescue dogs bred at the hospice, renowned worldwide for their ability to find and assist lost travelers in the snow-covered Alps.
Napoleon's Crossing Route1800
The historic path Napoleon Bonaparte took in May 1800 during his campaign to Italy, crossing the pass with his army.
Great St Bernard Tunnel1964
A modern tunnel running under the pass, facilitating year-round transport between Switzerland and Italy, bypassing the high mountain road.