Road of 52 Tunnels in Veneto, Italy

Built during World War I by the Italian military, the Road of 52 Tunnels (Strada delle 52 Gallerie) is a mist covered path that leads hikers in and out of dozens of dark, rocky tunnels, each with their own character.

Originally built as a supply line for Italian troops who were defending again Austrian and Hungarian forces in the mountainous high country, the path was made to accommodate the soldiers and their mules. Italy’s 5th Engineering Regiment carved out the trail in less than a year, no small feat given the technology of the time. The vistas and porticoes formed by the tunnels and the path were also used as defensive positions during heated fighting.

Once the trail was completed, it stretched over four miles of terrain, over a mile and a half of which is contained within the various tunnels. Each of the passages was given its own appellation by the builders and a number of them had decorative arches built over the entrances. One of the most striking tunnels along the way is #20 which is carved into a stone tower in a corkscrew. 

Today the road is open to visitors and can be hiked from start to finish although it is not for the faint of heart. The tunnels are unlit and flashlights are required. The higher climbs  can be hazardous, but for anyone willing to brave the heights, it is a stunning mix of nature and engineering prowess.