Driving a Wild Paved Road to Majelletta in the Abruzzo
Italy, europe
3.6 km
1,897 m
hard
Year-round
# Majelletta: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Central Italy
Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Majelletta is a high-altitude pass that'll test your driving skills and reward you with stunning views. Sitting at 1,897m (6,223ft) in Chieti province, this beauty is nestled right within Abruzzo's incredible Parco Nazionale della Majella.
The 3.6km (2.23-mile) ascent from Cima Mammarosa on SP64 doesn't mess around—you're gaining 250m of elevation with some sections hitting a brutal 15% gradient. The average climb sits at about 7%, and there are six hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Good news though: the road is completely paved and in excellent condition, freshly improved in recent years. Just note that winter weather typically shuts this route down from November through April.
At the summit, you'll find a solid mountain refuge (Rifugio Bruno Pomilio), parking, and communication towers. If you're feeling extra ambitious, a paved continuation heads up to nearby Blockhaus at 2,072m (6,797ft).
Here's the cool part—this isn't just any mountain road. Majelletta earned its legendary status as a Giro d'Italia classic, especially during the seventies when it was known for absolutely destroying riders. Even Eddy Merckx famously collapsed here during an early stage. So if you conquer this climb, you're following in the wheel tracks of cycling history.
Where is it?
Driving a Wild Paved Road to Majelletta in the Abruzzo is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.6590, 12.6586
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,897 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.6590, 12.6586
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