The Colle del Colombardo is an Alpine pass in the Graian Alps, which connects the lower Val di Susa with the Valle di Viù.
According to an ancient legend, the hill hides treasures belonging to the Lombards. When the Franks, led by their king Charlemagne, drove them from northern Italy after two centuries of domination with the decisive Chiuse battle, some of these fleeing warriors found shelter in the mountains. They gave life to a new settlement that was naturally called the Colle Longobardo, subsequently abbreviated to Colombardo.
As evidence of this human settlement, near the hill to the west, there is a modest relief in the shape of a "panettone" called Tomba di Matonta (2.084 m), in which according to a legend a barbarian princess was buried.
The rumors about the presumed treasure of the Lombards seem to be confirmed by certain findings that apparently have been made by some shepherds of Lemie, on the aspect of the Valle di Viù, at the end of the nineteenth century.
From the Colle, where stands the sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna degli Angeli, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, a true paradise for mountain lovers.
Road access: From Torino’s North ring road, take the Borgaro or Venaria exit. Then follow the signs for the Valli di Lanzo. After Germagnano, follow the signs for Viù. Once in Viù, continue in the direction of Usseglio. After Forno di Lemie - before reaching Villa di Lemie - take the road on the left following the directions for the Sant'Antonio hamlet. Park in the space at the end of the paved road.
Route: For the first 3 km follow the asphalt road that goes into the woods. After many hairpin bends, at the bottom of the plateau you cross the bridge over the Rio di Nanta on the left and on a dirt road you face the last part of the climb. The slopes are constant, with numerous bends under the Punta Imperatoria del Civrari, up to the vast esplanade of the Colle del Colombardo, with the Chapel of the Madonna degli Angeli.
