Sant'Jorio refuge (1980 m)

The Sant'Jorio Refuge, former barracks of the Guardia di Finanza, is located just below the pass of the same name that connects the upper Lario with Bellinzona and Verbano, connecting the Albano and Sant'Jorio valleys in Italy, with the Val Morobbia in Switzerland.

The pass was very popular in the past centuries; from here passed the silk produced in Como and directed to Germany and the iron material from Val Morobbia used in the Dongo workshops.

The name should derive from that of the hermit saint to whom the small church that rises a little higher up is dedicated.

The refuge is managed by the "Waliki" association which is part of the Operazione Mato Grosso, a movement of volunteers who since 1967 have been working for free in favor of the poor in Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. The proceeds from the management of the refuge are devolved entirely to support the Mama Ashu Hospital in Cachas (Perù). 

After a stop at the refuge it is worth continuing a little longer to reach the pass and the church and admire the splendid panorama. On clear days the view sweeps from the Swiss Alps to the Rosa and the Matterhorn.