Muro di Sormano is one of the hardest and most epic climbs

# Muro di Sormano: The Italian Climb That'll Make You Question Everything

Nestled in Sormano, a small municipality in the Province of Como, you'll find one of cycling's most brutally beautiful challenges: Muro di Sormano. This isn't just a steep hill—it's basically a vertical wall on wheels, and honestly, it's kind of legendary.

Located in Lombardy in northern Italy, this fully paved 1.9km (1.18 mile) climb is exclusively for cyclists (no motor vehicles allowed, thankfully). Starting and ending at Strada Provinciale 44, it ascends to 1,116 meters (3,661 feet) above sea level, but don't let that distance fool you.

Here's where it gets wild: Muro di Sormano averages a jaw-dropping 17% gradient, with sections that hit *over 27%*. We're talking almost-vertical territory. Back in the 1960s when it featured in three editions of the Tour of Lombardy, riders were literally getting off their bikes and walking—or getting pushed up by spectators. It was that intense.

After its brief stint as a cycling sensation, the climb fell into obscurity and disrepair for over 40 years. But in 2006, a passionate group of local cyclists decided it deserved better. They raised €150,000 to completely resurface and restore it to glory.

Now? It's back, meaner than ever, and absolutely worth the punishment if you're brave enough to tackle it.