At the top of the Via Francigena
Follow in the footsteps of Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, who in 990 recorded all his stops on his way back from Rome and reach the top of the Via Francigena: the Great St. Bernard Pass at an elevation of 2,469 m!
Description
Follow in the footsteps of Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, who in 990 recorded all his stops on his way back from Rome. Start from Sce Maurici (Saint-Maurice), a town famous for its abbey, which was founded in 515 and has been open even since. Discover its treasure and basilica. You will then reach Martigny, a city of culture known for its Gianadda Foundation and Barryland. From here, the ascent to the Grand St. Bernard Pass begins. You will stop in Orsières and Bourg-Saint-Pierre, two typical Valais villages with barns, raccards and a famous bell tower. The last stage between Bourg-Saint-Pierre and the Grand St. Bernard Pass is the most symbolic. Although it will take you to 2,470 metres, the path is not overly difficult. Unlike Sigeric, you will be able to spend the night on the Great St. Bernard Pass, as the Hospice there was built in 1050! The pass is the highest point of the Via Francigena and has been a legendary crossing of the Alps since Roman times. It was made famous by Napoleon in May 1800 and is now best known for its Saint-Bernard dogs, adorable animals that you can meet while visiting the pass museum.