Club Alpino Italiano founded in Turin on October 23, 1863

The Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) was officially founded in Turin on October 23, 1863, at the Castello del Valentino. The initiative was led by Quintino Sella, the Minister of Finance for the Kingdom of Italy, following an expedition to Monviso in August of that year.

Inspired by similar organizations in Austria, Switzerland, and England, the club was established to promote mountaineering, the study of mountains—particularly those in Italy—and the protection of natural environments. The founding group included approximately 200 enthusiasts, such as Giovanni Piacentini and Bettino Ricasoli.

Baron Ferdinando Perrone di San Martino was elected as the first president, with Bartolomeo Gastaldi serving as the first vice president. While originally headquartered in Turin, the CAI moved its legal headquarters to Milan following World War II.