Gola del Cardinello

The Cardinello gorge takes its name, which means "pin of the valley", from the nearby Monte Cardine. It is assumed that the first attempt to obtain a passage in the gorge took place in 1643. The construction of a passable road, however, was completed only after 1709, with the construction of tunnels, parapets and avalanche-protection canopies. The Cardinello had already cost the lives of several pack animals, soldiers and pilgrims, and continued to be the most dangerous stretch of the via Spluga. The transit of the French army in December 1800, led by General McDonald, therefore caused a stir. Despite the incessant storm 15,000 men managed to reach Splügen. The enterprise involved the loss of many soldiers, overwhelmed by avalanches and slipped into the abyss.

Beautiful hiking trail - be careful in wet weather!

Beautiful gorge... the hiking trail can become very slippery in wet weather...