Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia is an old military road built in the 1880s
Italy, europe
10.7 km
2,000 m
hard
Year-round
# Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia
Want to step back in time? The Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia is a beautifully preserved piece of history tucked away in Turin's mountainous backyard. Built way back in the 1880s as a military route, this 10.7 km unpaved trail takes you on an adventure through the Piedmont region, right near the French border in northwestern Italy.
This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a serious climb. Starting from Strada del Colle delle Finestre (SP172), the road relentlessly ascends toward Cima Ciantiplagna (2,849m) and Colle della Vecchia (2,605m), gaining elevation up to 2,000m. With an average gradient of nearly 11%, your legs will definitely feel this one if you're hiking it.
Here's the thing though: motor vehicles have been banned since the end of World War II. The Italian authorities officially deemed it "un-useful and difficult to maintain," so it's been closed to cars ever since. But that's actually part of its charm—the road remains beautifully wild and untouched, with scattered military structures dotting the landscape as reminders of its strategic past.
The entire route is unpaved, making it perfect for hikers and mountain bikers seeking an authentic alpine experience without the crowds. Finish your journey near the historic Forte del Gran Serin, and you'll have earned some serious bragging rights.
Where is it?
Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia is an old military road built in the 1880s is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.4126, 12.0024
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 43.4126, 12.0024
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