Col de La Seigne and its historical background
The events of the so-called “Caserrmetta” (military barracks) are strictly linked to the long history of Col de la Seigne,
a place which has been the gateway to the Aosta Valley, as well as the crossroads to and from France fot people
and commodities since ancient times.
The origin of the name of this place in old but dubious.
Medieval terms such as Mons Senae, Collium de Senia, Alpis Seniae are reminiscent of “Colle del Segnale”, whereas the
Celtic word “sange”, meaning “marshy land”, reminds us of the land which can befound further down, in the area
of Lake Combal.
The Col de la Seigne crossing was already known by the Romans and was used thereafter throughout the Middle Ages,
the period in which it acquired its actual name.
During that period, favourable weather conditions allowed alpine transit at a high altitude for several months a year
Nevertheless, only in 1863 did the Tour du Mont Blanc – with special reference to Col de la Seigne – acquire a key role in the
tales of English climbers and travellers.
The chairman of the Alpine Club, John Ball, mentioned Col de La Seigne explicitly, numbering it among the most panoramic
places of the tour, which “always makes this part of the tour extremely interesting for real nature-lovers”.