Walking on a Via defined Regia may be intimidating, but we guarantee that, although a bit tiring, it will prove to be an experience to remember.
But why is it called the Via Regia? Although it may seem hard to believe, this road has been very busy in the past. It was the connecting route between the ancient Grand Duchy of Milan (before), the Kingdom of Savoy (after) and the territories of Switzerland and France, passing through the neighbouring Valle d'Aosta.
For centuries, Walser, merchants, soldiers of the Austrian and French armies and even the plague, crossed the Valdobbia Pass, which serves as the border between two enchanted valleys: the Vogna Valley and the Gressoney Valley. This continuous wandering at 2480 m, which lasted for centuries and was accompanied by difficult weather conditions, made it necessary to build a simple shelter. Canon Nicolao Sottile had a more organised structure erected at his own expense, including a Chapel to comfort body and soul.
The establishment of a Meteorological Observatory in 1871, the first in Piedmont, contributed to the increased importance of this historic building!
We leave from the hamlet of Ca d'Janzo in Val Vogna and, after passing the hamlets of Ca' Piacentino, Ca' Morca and Ca' Verno, we reach S. Antonio.
From here starts the dirty road that, on an easy and leveled route, reaches the hamlet of Peccia (1 hour). At the entrance of the hamlet we encounter an area equipped with wooden tables at the edge of the beautiful artificial lake. We continue along the road, which here becomes a path, and passing the nucleus of Walser houses, we reach the Oratory dedicated to San Grato and the Napoleonic Bridge.
Now, following the route number 201, the climb becomes steep and we understand the origin of the name of the hamlet Montata.
The path gives us pause, moves through a beautiful larch forest and arrives at the Alpe Larecchio area (1 hour). We can choose whether to rest for a while in the Alpe basin and later reach Alpe Pian del Celletto via deflection 201a, or to take the small direct route to Colle Valdobbia/ Ospizio Sottile straight away. The refuge looms on the horizon and it seems as if it will never arrive, but we persevere with determination, stand in front of the refuge and let out a big sigh.
Welcoming us with open arms is the young manager Simone, who will not let us want for anything!
We take advantage of the warm hospitality, thinking back to the old migrants who found salvation and protection within these walls.
We have reached our goal! Now we can enjoy the beautiful 360-degree view.
We mustn't forget that on 1 July, we may attend the characteristic passage of the Monte Rosa Walser Waeg race, offering warm support to the courageous athletes who will run 45 km immersed in the splendour that the mountain offers them.
On 10 th August, we are all invited to the typical lunch and Holy Mass organised by the refuge.
What the path to the Colle and the visit to the Hospice offers is an ineffable experience of pure contemplation and revelation.
... We look forward to many more adventures in the beautiful valley that surrounds us!
