Rifugio Soria

The refuge Soria Ellena is placed on a historical journey in the Middle Ages was one of the "vie del sale" between Cuneo to Nice over the Colle di Finestra. This path was also frequented by pilgrims who were leaning on the ancient shrine of Madonna di Finestra.

On this journey of faith perhaps watched the Knights Templar. Last memorable passage of this historic crossing point is the case in September 1943 when hundreds of Jews fleeing from St. Martin Vesubie hoping to escape from the capture of the Germans. This event is commemorated by the itinerary I sentieri della libertà (paths of freedom) promoted by the
Istituto Storico della Resistenza di Cuneo (Historical Institute of the Resistance of Cuneo, Valley Gesso) Valley Gesso also contributes a few pages of the history of World War 2.

In 1943 the south of France is under the control of the Italian army. In Saint Martin Vesubie many Jews find refuge from all over Europe with the signing of the armistice - on Sept. 8 - the Jewish refugees in the village decided to follow the retreat of the Italian army, crossing the Alps to escape from the Germans. They leave at intervals, between 8 and 9 September and conclude the journey by September 13. The "biblical train" comes at Valley Gesso in Entracque through the Finestra or directly via Sant'Anna Valdieri Colle Ciriegia.

Once in Italy, they discovered that the Germans still control the territory so widespread: many were arrested and end up in the camp of Borgo San Dalmazzo from which will be transferred to Auschwitz. Others seek shelter and warmth, revealing a widespread sense of humanity in the mountain populations of our valleys. The inhabitants of the valleys, through their work that involve risks and sacrifices , they managed to save many of these Jews hunted from land to land.

Rifugio Soria with Association of Liberta organizes theme days and nights in the shelter with slides, crossing and organized trip on history.

For further informantions, please contact the management of refuge or the Association of Liberta. www.passiinliberta.net