Simplon Pass - Loudon's crossing in 1819

‘So Mr Loudon changed his plan. Instead of crossing by the Great St Bernard, he took the innkeeper’s advice and boarded the first available coach to the Simplon. His bad experience in Wales had given him a degree of caution he had not had when younger. And it amused him that Napoleon had paid for the Simplon road but never used it.’ This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024). 

The Evolution of the Simplon Pass: From Ancient Path to Modern Road

John Claudius crossing of the Simplon Pass in 1819 was both challenging and awe-inspiring.The primary mode of transportation for passengers was a horse-drawn carriage. Others travelled on foot or on horseback. The route had been used at least since Roman times but was difficult. It had narrow, unpaved paths prone to landslides, avalanches, and harsh weather. Travel, mostly by local people, was on foot or muleback. Sparsely populated valleys with small villages offered basic lodging and supplies. 

After 1800, and recognizing its military and economic potential, Napoleon ordered a complete reconstruction. The result was a new, wider road carved through mountains, with bridges, tunnelled galleries and stone walls. It was a massive undertaking involving thousands of forced labourers and significant expense.

Napoleon's Vision for the Simplon Pass in 1805

Napoleon’s decision to reconstruct the Simplon Pass was driven by both strategic and economic interests. The new road, completed in 1805, revolutionised travel and trade between Switzerland and Italy. The engineering marvel included bridges, galleries, and protective stone walls, ensuring safer passage through the treacherous terrain. The road's construction, involving forced labourers, reflected the sheer determination to conquer the Alps. Despite the challenges, the Simplon Pass became a vital link in Europe, facilitating movement and commerce. Today, remnants of this historic route highlight Napoleon's impact on European infrastructure and the enduring importance of the Simplon Pass in connecting regions.