On the border between Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige, the Tonale Pass connects Val di Sole with Val Camonica at an altitude of 1883 metres. It was once a very important international crossing point.

In 1859 Austria lost its dominion over Lombardy and the pass became the border between the Kingdom of Sardinia (the future Italy) and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

During the First World War the Passo del Tonale was the scene of heavy fighting and an impressive memorial was erected at the top of the pass. It contains the remains of more than 800 Italian soldiers who died in the fighting.

In 1918, South Tyrol became part of Italy and today the pass is a tourist destination for winter sports and summer hiking.

Useful links

Italian Autonomous Region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol - Wikipedia