Geo Chavez Memorial in Domodossola, Italy

Domodossola, a historic Italian town near the Swiss border, was the landing site for a significant early aviation event. In September 1910, pilot Jorge Chavez attempted to fly across the Alps as part of an international circuit. Chavez's planned route involved taking off from Brig, Switzerland, crossing the Simplon Pass, and landing in Domodossola before continuing to Milan. He piloted a modified Blériot XI monoplane for this challenging endeavor. His first attempt on September 19 was thwarted by strong winds and storm clouds, forcing him to land early. A second attempt on September 23 saw him approach Domodossola, but his aircraft's wings failed about twenty meters above the ground. The plane crashed due to the strain of battling Alpine winds, and Chavez sustained severe injuries. Tragically, Chavez died four days later from his injuries at the age of 23, despite a gathering of onlookers at the hospital. Monuments in Switzerland, France, and Peru commemorate his achievements, including Lima's international airport. In Domodossola, a monument honoring Chavez stands, commemorating his ambition and sacrifice in being the first to fly across the Alps.