Stelvio Pass, Mountain pass in Trentino-South Tyrol, Italy

The Stelvio Pass is a mountain crossing in the Ortler Alps linking Bormio in the Valtellina with Prad am Stilfserjoch in the Vinschgau. Its asphalted road reaches 2,757 metres and counts 48 numbered hairpin bends on the South Tyrolean side and 34 on the Lombard ramp, with six tunnels between Bagni Vecchio and the Braulio gorge.

Construction of the road began in 1820 under the supervision of engineer Carlo Donegani when the region belonged to the Austrian Empire. Completion took five years and aimed to create a direct connection between Lombardy and Austrian territories.

Since 1953, this mountain crossing has been one of the key stages of the Giro d'Italia, where professional cyclists from around the world tackle the switchbacks. The climb is considered one of the toughest tests in professional cycling and draws thousands of spectators to the roadside every year.

The road remains closed between November and May due to winter conditions, while the summer months are best suited for motorcyclists and cyclists. On sunny days, the drive can take several hours as many visitors move slowly through the tight hairpin turns.

The pass road was built between 1820 and 1825 under Carlo Donegani, and its layout has barely changed since. The South Tyrolean side from Prad has 48 numbered hairpin bends, while the Lombard west ramp from Bormio has 34. Six short tunnels between Bagni Vecchio and the Braulio gorge, almost 700 m in total, were the hardest part to build.