A spectacular ascent to one of the most energetic and beloved places by Pope John Paul II. Guided by the professionals of Mountain Friends, on the Mandrone glacier and along the ridge of snow and rock up to the summit.
From the terrace of the Ai Caduti dell’Adamello refuge, you can admire an extraordinary aerial panorama of the glaciers, the distant Corno Bianco, and the intricate ridge leading to Punta Giovanni Paolo II, distinguished by the famous granite cross (inaugurated during the Jubilee year) in memory of Pope John Paul II's visit to these places. This summit, renowned for its granite cross, is also among the peaks of the Adamello involved in the 1915-1918 wartime conflict. Still visible on its ridge is the famous 149/G howitzer, the only artillery piece remaining in position on the Adamello front and now a national monument.
On the first day, we ascend to the Ai Caduti dell’Adamello refuge, roped together either via the Vedretta del Mandrone glacier or the steep and challenging Matarot trail.
On the second day, we climb to the base of the ridge via a short glacier and then traverse a straightforward rocky ridge leading to Punta Giovanni Paolo II, where we can admire the cross standing over 3 meters tall.
