Col de Clapier

Col de Clapier, overlooking Turin top left

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The Col de Clapier is a 2488 m high Saumpass over the Mont Cenis massif in the Cozie Alps, between Bramans in Savoy (France) and Giaglione in Piedmont (Italy). About the pass performs no paved road. Over the Col de Clapier run two trails: the blue route of the Via Alpina and the Alta Via Val di Susa.

History

Hannibal Crossing the Alps

Some researchers believe it is likely that here BC Hannibal crossed the Alps with his campaign to Rome in October 218.

For Hannibal hypothesis consistency speaks to the following, mentioned in the ancient descriptions of features:

  • The pass is with a large army within nine days to reach from the Rhône,
  • At the pass is enough space for a large army camp available
  • Of the pass is eastward Turin visible and accessible in three days,
  • The descent is very steep.

No other passport meets these conditions as good as the Clapier. However, security can only be won on the place of Hannibal crossing the Alps, when archaeological discoveries prove this - which failed to materialize so far. Not even the practical evidence is sufficient: the Clapier route was committed successfully with two elephants on September 16, 1979.

Tourism

The pass is suitable for mountain biking.

Region Arc (Savoie) Dora Riparia Cottian Alps 218 BC
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