In 2025 the legendary road will host an array of sporting and cultural events to commemorate its history and rediscover its multicultural roots
1825–2025: The road over the Stelvio Pass celebrates its 200 th anniversary.
An iconic symbol of the Alps etched in the hearts of travellers from all over the world. A bridge between cultures. The scene of critical historic events and memorable cycling feats. The Stelvio is all this and more.
Whether you're a cyclist, nature lover or history buff, the bicentenary is a chance to pay homage to a route that has played such a pivotal role in so many ways. And what better way to do so than by involving both its many admirers and the wider public?
Join us to celebrate 200 years of the Stelvio road
200 YEARS OF THE STELVIO: A PROGRAMME OF EVENTS TO MARK THE BICENTENARY
At 2,758 m above sea level and 46.5 km in length, it has 88 hairpin bends and 7 tunnels, connects 3 regions, and has featured in 12 editions of the Giro d'Italia as the Cima Coppi, or highest point.
Numbers that explain why, on the eve of its bicentenary, the Stelvio is known as queen of the Alpine roads, representing 200 years of history and connection between Valtellina, South Tyrol and the Swiss Engadin valley.
Together, the three sides will mark the occasion with a packed programme of events, ranging from sports to cultural, musical, literary and culinary. A unique way to experience this world-famous road and delve into its history and cultural roots.
The Stelvio road's iconic logo has been given a makeover for the occasion, with a fresh new look that pays tribute to 200 years of cultural connections and the historic role of this vital route.
The entire programme of events will sport the new logo to highlight the historic nature of the anniversary and its universal appeal.
Find out what’s on and join us to celebrate 200 years of the Stelvio road
PROGRAMME to be defined
5–6 JULY: THE OFFICIAL CELEBRATIONS ON THE STELVIO PASS
Among the many events scheduled between May and November, the official celebrations will take place on 5th and 6th July. All three sections of the road will be closed to traffic between 9am and 4pm, to make way for a packed schedule of cultural and culinary-themed festivities.
The stage for the various ceremonies will be located on the terrace close to the Stelvio Pass. Food stalls will be set up nearby so you can taste some delicious local specialities. There will be the chance to take part in one of many races and competitions, cycling and non, or organised excursions to discover the area. And what sort of celebration would it be without a little pomp and
splendour? Enjoy the spectacle of horse-drawn carriage rides and vintage car parades.
A shuttle service to and from the pass means there’s no need to worry about parking.
Get the dates in your diary and come and join us on the Stelvio Pass
BY BIKE OR ON FOOT, A PACKED CALENDAR OF SPORTS EVENTS TO MARK 200 YEARS OF THE STELVIO
Set against the backdrop of the Stelvio National Park, the appeal of this spectacular road and its epic pass has endured over the years thanks to its many opportunities for sports and recreation, often ahead of their time.
It all began with the pioneering launch of summer skiing on the glacier, and its 1953 debut in the Giro d'Italia, when Fausto Coppi triumphed in Bormio.
Today, this iconic road continues to draw athletes from all over the world, not just cyclists and skiers, but hikers, trail runners and mountaineers, as well as nature lover.
Numerous sports events have been organised for the bicentenary celebrations, with a focus on slow, sustainable tourism.
If you're a cyclist, the Stelvio Pass is bound to be near the top of your bucket list. In which case don't miss Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina, when the entire road is closed to motorised traffic on certain weekends in June and July. If you would prefer
a competitive event, you can choose between the Stelvio Santini in June, and the Re Stelvio Mapei in July.
History buffs and hikers can explore the trails of the White War in one of the oldest and largest nature reserves in Italy. You'll find relics of World War One trenches, tunnels, barricades and artillery positions, where soldiers fought surrounded by snow and ice, at over 3,000 m above sea level in places. Find out more about the trails here:
Come and take part by bike or on foot and celebrate the bicentenary of the Stelvio with us
THE BICENTENARY OF THE STELVIO: CULTURE, FLAVOUR AND HISTORIC ROOTS
For 200 years, the Stelvio road and its historic mountain pass have served as a crossroads between the populations and traditions of Lombardy, South Tyrol and the Engadin valley. The resulting cultural ties are the theme of a series of initiatives to highlight the enduring bond between the three regions.
Concerts, literary talks and food & wine tastings will demonstrate just how important a role the road played in connecting diverse peoples, languages and cultures.
The bicentenary also offers an opportunity to explore the broader historical context of the Stelvio Pass, providing a deeper understanding of the area and the origins of the road for locals and visitors alike.
Together, we’ll retrace the history of the Stelvio road through documentaries, images, texts and other materials. And of course, we’ll examine how it has been shaped by the arrival of the motorcar over 100 years ago.
Join us on a journey through history, flavours and traditions to celebrate 200 years of the Stelvio
THREE CENTURIES OF HISTORY
Commissioned by Francis I, Emperor of Austria and designed by visionary engineer Carlo Donegani, the Stelvio road was completed in just 5 years and inaugurated in 1825, a groundbreaking feat of civil engineering for the time. If you're interested in how it was built, you can find further information here.
Since its opening, the Stelvio road has spanned three centuries of history.
In the 19th century, it was an essential trade and cultural route connecting Italy and northern Europe. In the early 20th century, it was a theatre of war in the first global conflict, then went on to become a popular destination for many travellers, athletes and nature lovers.
In the 21st, the bicentenary is a chance to celebrate this historic road and, together with the young people of the area, reflect upon the symbolic meaning that it still holds today and how this can be carried through to the future and continue to inspire the same interest and passion in future generations.
Don't miss the chance to celebrate this historic event
From sporting challenges to nature walks, cultural events and culinary delights, a packed
programme of events awaits to celebrate the Stelvio’s bicentenary in style.
Ready to join the festivities? Come and help us celebrate this legendary road!
