
Muro di Guardiagrele is one of Italy's steepest roads
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Muro di Guardiagrele
If you're looking for one of Italy's most brutal cycling challenges, welcome to Muro di Guardiagrele in the charming town of Guardiagrele, nestled in Abruzzo's Chieti province. This isn't your average climb—it's the kind of road that makes even professional cyclists question their life choices.
The numbers alone are intimidating: 610 meters of pure, unrelenting pavement with an average gradient of 22.2%. But here's where it gets really gnarly—the first section hits a jaw-dropping 30% gradient right at the bottom, making it Italy's steepest street. The last bend doesn't let up much either, hovering around 29%. It's the kind of climb that transforms a professional bike race into what looks like a leisurely weekend tour.
The payoff? You'll gain 132 meters of elevation across those 610 meters of asphalt. It's not a long climb, but it's relentless from start to finish.
Located in central Italy's Abruzzo region, this beast has earned its reputation as one of cycling's most severe climbs. It's even featured in the prestigious Tirreno-Adriatico race, where it consistently punishes riders and creates drama that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Fully paved and ready to humble cyclists of all levels, Muro di Guardiagrele is a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves testing their limits on two wheels.
Where is it?
Muro di Guardiagrele is one of Italy's steepest roads is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.5403, 12.3354
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.5403, 12.3354
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