The entire 6.5-kilometer route was completed in under ten months during the height of the First World War.
Tunnel number 20 is a helical tunnel that corkscrews through a spire of rock to gain elevation rapidly.
The tunnels were specifically designed to be wide enough for a mule carrying two small cannons.
Engineers utilized compressed air drills to excavate the rock, a significant technological feat for the alpine front in 1917.
The route reaches an altitude of 1,934 meters at the Porta Pasubio pass.
Many tunnels are numbered according to the order of their construction rather than their sequence along the path.
The Road of 52 Tunnels (Strada delle 52 Gallerie) is a mule track built by the Italian army during World War I on the slopes of Mount Pasubio. It extends approximately 6.5 kilometers with an elevation gain of roughly 800 meters. The route is defined by 52 distinct tunnels hand-carved into the rock face to allow supply transport to the front lines sheltered from enemy artillery. The path connects Bocchetta Campiglia to the Rifugio Achille Papa. It serves as a vital historical site illustrating the engineering efforts of the Italian 33rd Engineer Company during 1917. The trail is restricted to hikers and is closed to mountain biking due to safety and preservation concerns.
The entrance to tunnel number 19, which offers a dramatic view of the surrounding Pasubio massif.
Carry a high-powered flashlight or headlamp, as many tunnels are pitch black and lack natural light.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support to handle the uneven, rocky terrain and potential damp surfaces.
Bring a waterproof jacket even on clear days, as some tunnels have natural water dripping from the ceilings.
Do not attempt the hike in sneakers or street shoes, and avoid the trail during or immediately after heavy rain due to the risk of falling debris.
The path is generally inaccessible during winter and early spring due to snow and ice; open typically from late May through October.
Hikers must yield to uphill traffic and stay on marked paths to prevent erosion and rockfall.
