The month of September brings with it an anniversary that intertwines sporting memory and cultural passion. From September 11 to 17, 2025, a photography exhibition will be held in the Punto Rosso exhibition spaces in Poschiavo. dedicated to the Bernina Gran Turismo, an automotive event that has been livening up the Alpine pass for a decade, bringing the spirit of historic racing back to life.
The exhibition celebrates a double milestone: the 100 years of driving in Graubünden and the tenth anniversary of the re-enactment that, since 2015, has breathed new life into a little-known yet significant chapter in Swiss motorsport history. The initiative, free and open to the public, offers a visual journey spanning nearly a century, connecting archives from the XNUMXs with photographs from recent editions.
Between dust and glaciers: the origins
The first chronicles of the Bernina Gran Turismo date back to 1929 and 1930. At that time, the 16,5-kilometer dirt track that wound from Fulon to Baraccone represented a technical and physical challenge. The drivers faced 1.200 meters in altitude Through hairpin bends and pristine landscapes, with vehicles far removed from today's safety standards. Those legendary tests helped create an image in which speed was measured against the silence of the mountains.
The rebirth of 2015
After decades of neglect, in 2015 the project to revive the competition took shape. It is no longer a race in the traditional sense, but a historical re-enactment This event showcases vintage cars and the mechanical heritage of the 20th century. The event attracts collectors, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts from various countries, with two distinct formats: the "Regularity" category, focused on precision, and the "Competition" category, designed for those seeking thrills closer to the racing of the past.
The Poschiavo exhibition
The Punto Rosso setup offers ten double-sided panels, with historical photographs and contemporary images displayed side by side. There's no shortage of scenographic elements—red circles on the ground, maps of the route, evocative quotes—that aim to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of yesterday and today. One quote in particular stands out in the space: “Before the engines roar, the silence of the mountain holds its breath”.
Culture and identity
Beyond the sporting component, the Bernina Gran Turismo has established itself in recent years as a cultural and identity phenomenonThe natural setting of the Graubünden Alps, with the Bernina Pass as its protagonist, gives the event a unique character. It's not just a celebration of motors, but an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between man, technology, and the Alpine landscape.
