Dare to drive the road to Mont Saccarel
Monte Saccarello-Mont Saccarel is an international high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.178m (7,145ft) above the sea level, located on the French-Italian border.
Where is Monte Saccarello?
Mount Saccarello stands as a testament to both natural beauty and historical significance, straddling the border between Piemonte in Italy and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in France. Since 1947, this majestic peak has marked the administrative boundary between the provinces of Imperia and Cuneo as well as the national border between Italy and France, specifically the Department of Alpes-Maritimes.
Interestingly, before the culmination of World War II, Mount Saccarello was entirely under Italian jurisdiction. However, the post-war era brought changes, and the Paris Peace Treaties of February 1947 redefined its ownership, making it a shared territory between Italy and France. This mountain not only holds political significance but also the distinction of being Liguria's highest point.
A journey to its sub-peak, elevated at 2,164m, will reveal a magnificent bronze statue of Jesus Christ, constructed in 1901. This statue is among several such sculptures that were erected across the highest peaks of every Italian region in the early 20th century. A further exploration around the mountain's summit will uncover the remnants of artillery batteries, silent witnesses to the tumultuous events of the 1900s.
How long is the road to Monte Saccarello?
Set high in the Ligurian Alps, the winding road to the summit is steep and narrow. Starting from Monesi (Province of Imperia), the road is 9.0 km (5.59miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 799 meters. The average gradient is 5.79%.
Is the road to Monte Saccarello unpaved?
The road to Monte Saccarello is mostly unpaved. The summit can be reached by 4x4 car and motorcycle. The road is usually impassable during the winter months. Risk of rock slides.