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Passing under the imposing covered viaduct that leads to the tunnel marks the beginning of the toughest part of the climb: the gradients become more demanding (though never prohibitive), the fatigue accumulated over the previous 20 km takes its toll, and the winds from Switzerland begin to lash you... you're officially in the high mountains, after all, that's why you came here. If the day is one of the worst, with strong winds from the pass, these last 10 km will be a nightmare, but the beauty and majesty of the landscape will more than make up for even the most intense of efforts.

The highest road pass in the Aosta Valley and a place that has always fascinated the writer for its thousand-year history, the austere Mauritian hospice and the profound beauty of the landscape.

You can also stay for just a few hours: the hour costs 50 cents (as of 2025).

Hotel Italia is highly recommended

The Arco di Augusto was built in 25 BC in honour of Emperor Augustus after the Roman victory over the Salassi. This impressive arch marks the northern entrance to the city and is located in line with the decumanus maximus. It is made of conglomerate blocks and has a single arch with a height of 11.40 metres. The ten half-columns on the facades and sides are decorated with Corinthian capitals. The Doric frieze, with metopes and triglyphs, adds a classical touch. In the Middle Ages it was known as Saint-Voût because of an image of the Redeemer that was placed there. During the 12th century it served as a residence for a local noble family and later as a fortress for the balestrieri. In 1716 the roof was replaced with slate due to water damage. The current appearance is the result of restoration work in 1912. Under the arch is a wooden cross, a copy of the original placed in 1449 as a votive offering against flooding from the Buthier River.

One of the most characteristic monuments of Aosta that tells of its Roman origins: built in 25 BC. by Aulo Terenzio Varrone Murena, not far from the eastern entrance of the walls.

Bonaparte passed through there in May 1800 with 40,000 men, during the Italian campaign. The painter David immortalized this moment in a major artistic work: The First Consul Crossing the Alps at the Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard, where he depicts Bonaparte mounted on a spirited horse, when in reality he was riding a mule, an animal considered safer for high mountain trails.

The austere buildings of the Hospice of Great St. Bernard are situated in a rocky pass through which an icy wind almost always blows, on the edge of a lake that is frozen for an average of 265 days a year and where winter lasts almost eight months. For nine centuries, the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine, who settled here at the instigation of St. Bernard of Menthon, have maintained a tradition of helpfulness and hospitality. Travellers who wish to relax for a while in this peaceful place are welcome all year round.