Despite years of learning, when I first heard of Vale Sangora, I could not even place it on the map. And no wonder, for it is remote and hard to reach. Encompassed on all sides by the mighty Carpathian Mountains, it is accessible solely through narrow gorges, and only in the summer months. But, as I was to learn, these passes were dangerous to travel even then.
I set out towards Vale Sangora with my abbott’s blessings and in high spirits, accompanied by armed guards and servants. Our journey from Italy was to take two months. It lasted twice as long – and most of our party did not survive.