Strada delle 52 Gallerie – A Hike Through History

 

Overview

• Starting point: Bocchetta Campiglia (1,216m)
• Arrival: Rifugio Achille Papa (1,928m)
• Altitude gain: ~800m
• Duration: ~5-6 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate (no technical difficulties, but requires a head for heights)
• Best season: Late spring to early autumn
• Family-friendly: Yes, but some exposure to cliffs may not suit those with vertigo
• Key highlights: 52 wartime tunnels, breathtaking ridge views, and a historical WWI route

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The Strada delle 52 Gallerie is more than just a hike—it’s a journey through history. This extraordinary trail was built during World War I, carved into the sheer cliffs of Monte Pasubio to provide a safe supply route for Italian troops.

A Feat of Wartime Engineering

Monte Pasubio was of strategic importance in defending Italy from Austro-Hungarian forces. However, the main road to the peak was exposed to enemy fire, making it too dangerous to use. The only alternative? The impossibly rugged southern face of the mountain, where no road existed.

But war pushes human limits, and against all odds, soldiers carved a road directly into the mountain, creating 52 tunnels wide enough for supply vehicles (well early 20th-century supply vehicles). And it was completed in under 10 months! In 1917! 

Today, this incredible feat of engineering remains a well-preserved hiking trail, wide enough to be safe for all hikers, though some sections require a head for heights as the path follows sheer cliffs.

Starting the Hike – Getting to Bocchetta Campiglia

At the base of the hike, there are several parking lots at different levels. Important note:
🚗 Do NOT stop at Passo Xomo—keep driving! The road is narrow but passable, and you can drive 200m higher to Bocchetta Campiglia, where the official trailhead and main parking lots are located.

From the parking area, you can’t miss the entrance—it’s marked by a huge inscription: "Strada delle 52 Gallerie". Information panels here explain the history of the route before you set off.

The First Galleries – A Walk Through History

After a couple of switchbacks, the first tunnel appears, its entrance marked by a Latin inscription celebrating this wartime engineering marvel.

From here, you’ll pass through many tunnels—so many that I’ve lost count (well 52 I guess)! Some that stand out include:
🔦 A tunnel with a side passage featuring openings for cannons, allowing soldiers to fire down the mountainside.
🔦 A spiral tunnel that twists four times, climbing through the rock.
🔦 A very long tunnel (over 200m!), where a headlamp is essential.
🔦 Tunnels with windows, offering surreal photo opportunities from inside the cliff face.

💡 Tip: Bring a headlamp, as some tunnels are pitch dark—you won’t see your own feet without one!

The Open Stretch & Ridge Walk

After about an hour, the tunnels pause, and you reach a wide, open section as the trail climbs gently below Forcella Camossara. This section offers breathtaking views before you re-enter the final stretch of tunnels.

Now, you’re on a high mountain ridge, and the views are dramatic—it truly feels like walking on the edge of the world. These last galleries were critical in the war, serving as both defensive positions and fallback shelters for troops. Many were also mined to prevent enemy advances.

Reaching Rifugio Achille Papa (1,928m)

After all the thrilling tunnels and stunning ridges, the trail reaches its highest point (just about 2000m), from where you finally spot the colorful Rifugio Achille Papa in the distance.

After going down through 2 or 3 more galleries you reach the Rifugio. At this point, you’ve climbed 800m, and your reward is a well-deserved meal—don’t miss their delicious Gulasch!

The Return – Strada degli Scarubbi

The descent follows the Strada degli Scarubbi, the original supply road that was too exposed to be safe during the war. Unlike the narrow cliffside path of the ascent, this road is wide enough for modern vehicles and offers a gentler descent.

After about 30 minutes, the road begins zigzagging to lose altitude. At this point, hikers have two options:
1️⃣ Stay on the road – a gentler but longer route.
2️⃣ Take the shortcut trail, which cuts through the switchbacks and saves time (about 2km).

Since the two paths cross multiple times, you can decide on the go—take shortcuts if you’re in a hurry, or stick to the road for a more relaxed descent.

After about 2 hours from the summit, you’ll be back at Bocchetta Campiglia, completing an unforgettable journey through history and nature.

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Final Thoughts – A Must-Do Historical Hike

The Strada delle 52 Gallerie is more than just a beautiful trail—it’s a monument to resilience and ingenuity. This hike offers:
✔️ An immersive historical experience
✔️ Stunning landscapes & ridgeline views
✔️ A safe but thrilling path along cliffs

It’s a moderate hike with no technical difficulties, making it accessible to most hikers—as long as you’re comfortable with heights!

For those looking for an epic hike combining history, adventure, and breathtaking views, this WWI masterpiece is an absolute must.