The Strada delle 52 Gallerie (or Strada della Prima Armata) – the road with 52 tunnels (or the road of the First Army) – is an extraordinary work of military engineering which leads from Bocchetta Campiglia to the Porte del Pasubio near the Achille Papa shelter and which enabled troops perched on the Pasubio to be resupplied by a daring route sheltered from enemy action.
A fascinating route across the southern slope of the mountain, sheltered from the fire of the Austro-Hungarian artillery, characterised by spires, deep gullies and rocky vertical walls. On Colle Bellavista, you can visit the Ossario del Pasubio war memorial, a majestic monument dedicated to the memory of the dead of the First World War. It contains the remains of 5,146 Italian soldiers and 40 Austrians. Their bones are on display in many of the reliquaries in which they are kept.
The tour operator suggests:
Excursion on foot along the Strada delle 52 Gallerie, visit to the trenches in the Italian/Austrian border territory of the Vicentine Pre-Alps (Alpine guide on request), packed lunch, Sopressa salami tasting (a De.Co product of the Valli del Pasubio), overnight stay in B&B double room (overnight stay in a shelter on request).
N.B. The excursion takes place in a mountain environment and therefore requires adequate physical preparation, mountain gear with boots, wet-weather gear and sunhat.
Cost from € 85,00 a head.