Alessandra Boarelli facts for kids

Alessandra Boarelli (born in Turin, Italy, in 1838 – died in Verzuolo, Italy, in 1908) was an amazing Italian mountaineer. She made history in 1864 by becoming the first woman to reach the top of Monviso, a very tall mountain in the Alps.

Who Was Alessandra Boarelli?

Alessandra Boarelli was born in Turin, Italy. Her father's name was Felice Re. She later married Emilio-Giovanni Boarelli. He came from an important family and was also the mayor of Cuneo.

After they got married, Alessandra moved to Verzuolo. This town was close to Cuneo. Alessandra and Emilio had three daughters together: Isabella, Luisa, and Clemente-Maria. Clemente-Maria was born in 1870.

Living Near the Mountains

The Boarelli family lived in western Italy. This area is called Piedmont. It is very close to the border with France. The region is famous for its mountains. The biggest mountain there is Monviso. It is the highest peak in the Cottian Alps. These Alps are part of the larger Alps mountain range.

Monviso (3,841 m.) seen from the Col de Chamoussiere.

Her First Try to Climb Monviso

Alessandra Boarelli first tried to climb Monviso in 1863. She hoped to reach the top just before another team. That team was led by Quintino Sella. But Alessandra had to turn back. The weather became very bad, making it too dangerous to continue.

A few days later, Quintino Sella's team succeeded. They became the third group to reach the summit. They were also the first Italians to do so. The very first successful climb of Monviso happened two years earlier. That climb was led by William Mathews from England.

Reaching the Summit of Monviso

Alessandra Boarelli tried again the next year. On August 16, 1864, she made history! She became the first woman to reach the top of Monviso. The mountain is 3,841 metres (12,602 ft) high.

She was not alone on this important trip. Her team included Cecilia Filia, a fourteen-year-old girl. Cecilia's father was a notary from Casteldelfino. Also with them was Don Carlo Galliano. He was the priest from Casteldelfino. Two other climbers joined them as well.

Remembering Alessandra Boarelli

Alessandra Boarelli's achievements are still remembered today. People have honored her in different ways.

The Boarelli Bivouac

Bivouac Boarelli is located on the south slope of Montviso and dedicated to Alessandra Boarelli in 2005.

In 2005, a special mountain shelter was named after her. It is called the "Boarelli bivouac." A bivouac is a small, simple shelter for climbers. It is located at the bottom of Monviso's southern side. It is near the Forciolline lakes. The shelter is about 2,820 metres (9,250 ft) high. You can find it on the path that leads to Monviso from Castello di Pontechianale.

An Exhibition in Verzuolo

In Verzuolo, where Alessandra lived, her amazing climb was celebrated. An exhibition was held in her honor. It was called "The woman and the mountain 1860-1960." This display was set up in the town's Palazzo Drago. It showed items and photos related to Alessandra. It also featured other women who were great mountaineers.