Places
Viewpoint·Moderate·Scenic·Hidden gem
Strada del Vallone di Elva
Piedmont
Blasted through the vertical walls of the Maira gorge in the 1890s by the road-builder Giovanni Baret, this single-lane shelf road with its short tunnel is one of the most spectacular in the Alps. It is now often closed to cars after rockfalls, which makes it a superb walk up to Elva and its frescoed church.
Duration
2–3 hours
Distance
6 km
Elevation
+300 m
Best season
May – October
Parking · Free
Free parking at Ponte Marmora (bottom) or in Elva (top).
Water
Fountains in Elva; nothing on the gorge road.
Highlights
- Cliff-shelf road and rock tunnel
- Frescoes by Hans Clemer in Elva church
- Deep Maira limestone gorge
With your dog
Leashed dogs welcome; a narrow cliff road, keep close where it is single-track.
