The Simplon Pass Then and Now - a "Highway" once publicized in Paris as the "Queen of Alpine Roads"

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Paul Caminada

Paris in 1805: for political reaons, the Simplon pass is publicized widely using banners and newspaper articles. The glory of Napoleon Bonaparte as "builder of the highway" had to be commended properly - and indeed, the Simplon Pass quickly became an important attraction for travellers in Europe.

This picturesque highway across the high Alps between Brig in Switzerland and Domodossola in Italy was thus protrayed profusely by authors and poets and artists painted countless views.