How to get to Cesare Branca Refuge in Lombardy?
Rifugio Cesare Branca al Lago delle Rosole is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 2,483m (8,146ft) above sea level, located in the Lombardy region of Italy.
Where is Cesare Branca Refuge?
The hut is located in the Province of Sondrio, in the northern part of the country, in the Cedec Valley at the foot of the Forni Glacier, between Palon de la Mare and Cima San Giacomo. It’s located a few meters away from the scenic Lago delle Rosole.
Why is it called Cesare Branca Refuge?
It was named after Cesare Branca, a Milanese lawyer and mountaineer.
When was Cesare Branca Refuge built?
The Rifugio Branca was built in 1932 thanks to a donation from Giuseppina Branca, who wished to honor the memory of her brother Cesare Branca, a well-known and respected Milanese mountaineer of the time. The project was designed by engineer Cesare De Micheli. Donated to the Milan section of the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI), the refuge was inaugurated in 1933. Over the years, it was expanded several times to improve functionality and accommodate more visitors.
In 1978, the refuge was complemented by the Rifugio Genesio Martinelli, donated by Luigi Martinelli, a long-time caretaker of the Branca refuge, in memory of his brother. A few years later, in 1983, the Milan section oversaw the construction of a modern and functional expansion of Rifugio Branca, further enhancing its facilities for mountaineers and hikers.
How long is the road to Cesare Branca Refuge?
The road to the refuge is totally unpaved, very narrow, and steep. It’s for 4x4 vehicles only. Starting from I Forni, the road is 2.7 km (1.67 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 309m, and the average gradient is 11.44%.
Is the road to Cesare Branca Refuge open?
Set high in the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, the road is usually open from mid-June through mid-September. The road is open only to authorized vehicles.