The 52 Tunnels of Pasubio are the perfect example of how sometimes man, with his bright madness and desire to improve, can accomplish feats of great magnitude. The 52 Tunnels Road, also known as the most beautiful tunnel road in all of Italy, is one of the most interesting attractions of the entire Monte Pasubio massif and is a symbol of the Italian efforts during the First World War (or Great War, as it is also called).
Today, the 52 Tunnels Road has become a route that can be traversed on foot, recounting the efforts of the soldiers who during the First World War worked hard to create this incredible engineering feat.
The First Army Road is the perfect example of a little-known attraction in Italy and represents one of the hidden treasures that our nation is full of.
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That said, let's discover everything you need to know before approaching the 52 Tunnels route.
What Is the 52 Tunnels Road?
Let's start with the usual (but very useful) technical information.
The 52 Tunnels Road is a true military mule track that was built in northeastern Italy, on the Pasubio massif.
The route of the road is winding but has a clear start and end point: from Bocchetta Campiglia the road reaches Porte del Pasubio, covering an elevation difference of about 700 meters along the southern slope of the mountain.
The road was built this way to offer protection to soldiers who, during the First World War,
The average width of the tunnels is about 2.50 meters, allowing two mules to pass simultaneously.
The average slope of the road is about 12%, with a peak of 22%.
The most interesting tunnels among the various ones are the following:
- Tunnel 19: this is the longest tunnel (320 meters) and has a path that twists around itself, like a helix, four times.
- Tunnel 20: this tunnel was also carved inside a rocky tower and has a helical path.
- Tunnel 43: a segment of this tunnel runs beneath the Fontana d’Oro pass, at 1875 meters altitude.
- Tunnel 47: this tunnel is the highest on the entire route, at 2000 meters altitude. From here you get the best view of all.