SHARRYLAND
Where is
What it is and where it is
The Quintino Sella refuge is a historical site in Italian mountaineering: opened in 1905, it is located at an altitude of 2640 meters at the foot of the south face of Monviso (m 3841) and is considered the classic starting point from the ascent to the summit. It is dedicated to Quintino Sella (1827-1884), scientist and mountaineer, but also minister of the Kingdom of Italy and founder of the Italian Alpine Club. In its present size it is the result of several expansions, the last of which, in 1979, increased its maximum capacity to 145 seats.
Why it is special
Monviso is the unmistakable rising pyramid on the ridge of the Cottian Alps. The valley dwellers called it the 'king of stone' because of its rugged nature, and in the early 19th century mountaineering pioneers considered it among the unmissable peaks with which to compare themselves. Today, completing its circumnavigation is an experience within everyone's reach, along the route of thehigh route that in four to six days, without fatigue, with stops at equipped refuges, consistently maintains over two thousand in altitude.
Not to be missed
Monviso represents the centerpiece of an area of exceptional naturalistic interest. First of all, there is the mountain itself, dotted with lakes, which is very interesting both in terms of geology, with its rocks with green reflections, and in terms of fauna, with ibexes and golden eagles. However, the best-known destination, especially for sentimental reasons, is the Piano del Re, at an elevation of 2020 meters, where by historical convention are the sources of the Po, which is actually formed by the convergence of the streams above.
A bit of history
It was Quintino Sella in 1863 who organized the first fully Italian expedition to the summit of Monviso. In fact to conquer the peak first was, two years earlier, an Anglo-French expedition. Sella's skill consisted in giving his attempt a celebratory significance of the recent Unification of Italy thanks to the studied composition of the roped party, from Piedmont to Calabria. In the wake of the enthusiasm aroused by the climb to Monviso, Sella founded the Italian Alpine Club in Turin.
Trivia
It is a dark and narrow tunnel, only 75 meters long, but the so-called Buco di Viso is in fact the first alpine tunnel in history. Today of interest only to hikers, it was built in 1480 by the Marquis of Saluzzo to facilitate trade between the Po valley and the French Queyras valley. Despite appearances it had great importance, recording within a few years of its opening the passage by mule of more than 20,000 sacks of salt, as well as a variety of other goods.
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
Collections
Discover places and related research
The Map thanks:
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
Where is
Collections
Discover places and related research
