Gotthard Railway

The pass of San Gottardo is one of the principal links between northern and southern Europe. The much-rebuilt hospice at its summit, 2100 m above sea level, originated in the 14th century and is now an historical monument. The Gotthard railway between Lucerne and Chiasso is one of the busiest of mountain railways and its scenery is the most memorable. It was opened to traffic in 1882 after 177 people, commemorated on Airolo station, died during its construction. Minerals, weapons, uniforms and documents relating to the history of the pass are displayed in a museum, in a building that was once a cantonal customs house, adjacent to the hotel at the summit.