Mount Rocciamelone

Altitude 3538 m asl.

Rocciamelone is the sacred mountain par excellence of the Susa Valley. It probably owes its name to the Celtic toponym Roc Maol. The Romans then Latinized the name to Mons Romuleus and consecrated it to Jupiter Thunderer, as evidenced by the altar dedicated to the god found on the mountain's slope facing Usseglio. In 1358, the Asti merchant Boniface Roero (Rotario) sanctioned its Christianization by placing on the summit a gilded brass triptych depicting the Virgin with Child, Saint George, and Saint John the Baptist presenting the donor, likely made in Bruges. Boniface's feat is also of mountaineering interest as his ascent is regarded as the oldest documented climb to a peak. Since the 16th century, a wooden chapel has been present on the mountain's summit, a pilgrimage destination in the summer months. In 1896, the summit chapel was rebuilt, and on that occasion, the idea of constructing a monument to Mary, realized with contributions from the children of Italy, was launched. The work, created by sculptor Giovanni Antonio Stuardi, was inaugurated on August 28, 1899. Over time, facilities to accommodate those climbing to the peak have also been established on the mountain. In 1902, the Ca' d'Asti refuge was completed, and the Santa Maria refuge-shrine at the summit was built between 1917 and 1923. Both were fully restored between 1975 and 2008.

Related place

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Archaelogical areas

Bear of Mompantero

Bran

Castle - Civic Museum of Susa

Cathedral of San Giusto

Chapel of Our Lady of Graces in Foresto

Community Interest Site Rocciamelone

Convent of San Francesco

Dance of Swords - Giaglione

Dance of Swords - Venaus

Diocesan Museum

Municipality of Giaglione

Municipality of Meana di Susa

Municipality of Mompantero

Municipality of Susa

Museum of Alpine Religious Art in Giaglione

Shroud images - fresco Exhibition of the Shroud

Shroud images - fresco of the Shroud

Shroud images - fresco of the Shroud at San Giuliano

Shroud images - painting on canvas Cathedral of San Giusto

Site of Community Interest Boscaglie di Tasso di Giaglione

Venaus Municipality