Simplon Pass

Simplon Pass

Alpine pass and tunnel, southern Switzerland. It is situated between the Pennine and Lepontine Alps at 6,581 ft (2,006 m). An important Alpine route since the mid-13th century, the pass became a major link between central and southern Europe when Napoleon had a road built there (1800–07). A hospice, occupied by the Augustinians and dating from 1235, is near the summit. When the pass is closed to road traffic in the winter, cars are transported by train through a 12.5-mi (20-km) tunnel below the pass that connects Brig, Switz., with Iselle, Italy.