Via Stockalper - Val Bognanco

The VIA STOCKALPER connects Brig in the Canton of Valais to Domodossola via the Simplon Valley in 4 stages: It is one of the 12 cultural routes of national interest in Switzerland along the route established by Baron Kaspar Jodok Stockalper's trade route. Stockalper, a great businessman, entrepreneur, and Valais politician of the 17th century, modernized the old salt road over the Simplon Pass with bridges and shelters to enable the passage of goods caravans even in winter, creating such a profitable trade network between Italy and the French markets that he earned the nickname "King of Simplon." From his magnificent castle in Brig, he controlled trade with Antwerp, Paris, and the channel ports in the north and Milan in the south.
Kaspar Jodock Stockalper was born in 1609 in Brig into a family that was already very wealthy, likely of Italian roots. His wealth allowed him to travel throughout Europe, establishing the foundations for his future business. He owned all the mines in Valais and employed around 5,000 men in total. His lasting successes brought him the envy of the Valais nobility. After falling from political grace in his homeland, he fled into voluntary exile in Domodossola, where he was received with all honors and lived for several years on the Holy Mountain of Golgotha in Domodossola, also contributing financially to the creation of the rich artistic heritage. After five years of exile, he returned to his homeland in 1685, after the death of one of his political opponents, and found his popularity unchanged. He died in 1691 at the age of 82; his mortal remains rest in the church of Glis near Brig.
In the same way, Napoleon built the first drivable road through the Alps in 1805 to transport troops and arms over the Simplon Pass. An old communication and trade route between the Ossola Valley and the Canton of Valais led over the Monscera Pass, used by the Valais troops who descended to conquer Ossola, and over which Pope Gregory X also passed on his return from the Council of Lyon in the autumn of 1275.