Passo della Croce Arcana

Passo della Croce Arcana is a mountain pass crossing the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano range and linking the municipalities of Fanano and Abetone Cutigliano. An unpaved road connects Ospitale to the pass and continues toward Cutigliano and Doganaccia.

During the Early Middle Ages, the pass was a key route connecting Tuscany and the Po Valley, serving as a boundary between Lombard and Byzantine territories. This strategic location made it essential for trade and movement across the Apennines.

A memorial at the pass honors those who died during World War II, serving as a place where visitors reflect on the region's tragic past.

The pass is reached via an unpaved road suitable for hiking and horseback riding through the Modenese High Appennines Regional Park. Visitors should prepare for unpredictable weather conditions, especially strong winds.

Wind speeds reaching 270 kilometers per hour were recorded at the pass in 2020, making it one of Italy's most wind-exposed peaks. These extreme conditions reveal the harsh nature of the high mountain environment.

Location: Fanano

Location: Abetone Cutigliano

Elevation above the sea: 1,669 m

Part of: Appennino Tosco-Emiliano

GPS coordinates: 44.13212,10.77784

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:02