Great Saint Bernard Pass

Great Saint Bernard Pass

 ancient Mons Jovis

Pass in the Alps. One of the highest of the Alpine frontier passes, at 8,100 ft (2,469 m) it lies on the Italian-Swiss border east of the Mont Blanc group and connects Martigny-Ville, Switz., with Aosta, Italy. Historically the most important trans-Alpine route, it was often used by pilgrims to Rome and later by medieval armies. In 1800 it was crossed by Napoleon and his 40,000 troops on their way to northern Italy. A famous hospice on the pass, founded by St. Bernard of Menthon in the 11th century, is still kept by Augustinian monks who, with their St. Bernard dogs, provide services to travelers. The old road, open only five months a year, has been partly superseded by a tunnel beneath the pass, which allows year-round travel.