| Sentiero Bove | |
|---|---|
| Length | 22.38 kilometres (14 mi) |
| Location | Val Grande National Park, Piedmont, Italy |
| Use | Hiking |
| Website | www |
Description
editSentiero Bove is the name of a hiking path in the Val Grande National Park, which extends over an area between Lake Maggiore, the Valle Cannobina and the Valle Ossola, which is accessible all year round, depending on the conditions.[1] The path is named after a 19th century Italian explorer, Giacaomo Bove.[2]
History
editHistory of the Sentiero Bove
editThe Sentiero Bove (Bove Path) is one of the most iconic hiking routes in the Italian Alps, recognized for being the first via ferrata (iron path) and Alta Via (high-altitude trail) in the region. Located in the Parco Nazionale Val Grande, the trail is named after Giacomo Bove (1852–1887), an Italian explorer and navigator. Bove’s tragic death led to the creation of the path as a memorial to his legacy[3].
In 1880, a fundraising event was held in Intra to support Bove’s planned Antarctic expedition. However, after Bove’s death in 1887, the funds raised were redirected to construct a memorial in his honor. The idea for the trail emerged in 1889, and in 1890, the CAI Verbano (Italian Alpine Club) appointed Antonio Garoni, a renowned local alpine guide, to design and construct the path. The trail was built along the ridges between Monte Zeda and Bocchetta di Terza, and the first section was completed in 1891. The final extension to Bocchetta di Scaredi was finished by 1892[4].
The Sentiero Bove was groundbreaking, as it combined mountaineering techniques with hiking. It featured the use of iron ladders and chains fixed to rock faces, aiding climbers in navigating difficult terrain. By 1892, it was recognized as one of the first multi-day hiking routes in the Alps, connecting the Verbano and Ossola valleys through a rugged, high-altitude landscape[5]. The trail quickly gained attention, with Carlo Gabardini calling it "the prince of Italian paths" in 1899, noting its innovative nature as the first high-altitude trail and via ferrata in Italy[3].
Origins as a Pastoral Path
editThe origins of the Sentiero Bove can be traced back to ancient times when it was primarily used by local shepherds and farmers for the seasonal movement of livestock. The route, originally a network of pastoral paths, facilitated the movement of cattle from the Verbano region to the higher Ossola valleys in search of better grazing areas during the summer months. These paths were essential for the transhumance (seasonal migration of livestock) and were vital to the local economy, allowing the livestock to graze in the mountains during the warmer months and return to the lower valleys during the winter[4]. The historical role of these pastoral paths contributed to the development of the modern-day Sentiero Bove, linking not just geographical areas but also the agricultural and cultural heritage of the region[3].
Decline and Rediscovery
editAfter World War II, the Sentiero Bove fell into disrepair. Harsh weather conditions, lack of maintenance, and the passage of time led to the deterioration of the path, especially in its more challenging sections. By the late 1970s, only traces of the original trail remained, hidden in the rocky folds of the Torrione section. In 1977, members of the CAI Verbano-Intra branch, including Gualtiero Rognoni, began a concerted effort to rediscover and restore the trail[4]. Over several years, they retraced the original path from Monte Zeda to Bocchetta di Terza, uncovering remnants of Garoni’s work, though parts of the trail, particularly in the Torrione area, were still concealed[3].
The major breakthrough came in 1983, when Achille Montani, another experienced guide, discovered the original iron anchors installed by Garoni on Monte Torrione. This discovery enabled the full restoration of the trail. By 1984, the Sentiero Bove was reopened to the public, fully restored and secured with chains[5]. Further restoration efforts were carried out in the 1990s to mark the centenary of the trail and ensure its safety and accessibility[6].
Despite setbacks, including the removal of chains by vandals in 1987, local communities and the Parco Nazionale Val Grande remained committed to maintaining the path. In 2019, a final series of interventions were carried out to secure the section between Piancavallone and Monte Zeda, ensuring the trail’s continued longevity[6].
Modern-Day Status
editToday, the Sentiero Bove remains a popular but demanding trail for experienced hikers. It is typically completed in 3-4 days and is considered one of the most challenging hiking routes in the Italian Alps. The trail includes sections that require both hiking and climbing, making it a combination of an alpine climbing route and a scenic hiking path[3].
The trail is maintained by the CAI Verbano and the Parco Nazionale Val Grande, with regular updates to improve safety and accessibility. Significant restoration work was completed in 2019, ensuring the Sentiero Bove’s place as a key hiking destination in the region[6]. The trail is part of the Alta Via del Verbano, a long-distance hiking route that highlights the natural beauty and historical significance of the area[6].
Trekking Path
editWinter/Summer
editGeology
editMetamorphic rocks essentially make up the Val Grande national Park and therefore the Sentiero Bove. The territory of the park and the Sentiero Bove are included in an area of extraordinary geological interest recognized by UNESCO.[7]
References
edit- ^ Kürschner, Iris (2010). Klettersteige Westalpen: Frankreich - Italien ; die schönsten Klettersteige zwischen Comer See, Genfer See und Mittelmeer ; [81 Klettersteige] (in German). Bergverlag Rother GmbH. ISBN 978-3-7633-4393-5.
- ^ Copiatti, Fabio (2 November 2024). "Il Sentiero Bove in Valgrande". Lo Scarpone. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d e f Ferrari, Marco Albino (2017). La Via Incantata. Ponte alle Grazie.
- ^ a b c d Pisano, Pietro (2016). Giacomo Bove. Un esploratore e un sentiero tra Verbano e Ossola. Magazzeno Storico Verbanese.
- ^ a b c "Il Sentiero Bove in Valgrande". CAI Verbano. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ a b c d e "Sentiero Bove: Un'Alta Via tra la Storia e la Natura". Parco Nazionale Val Grande. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Organization Parco Nazionale Val Grande (2024). "Geology of the Val Grande National Park". Parco Nazionale Val Grande. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)