Driving the defiant Via San Valentino to Pura Pass
Italy, europe
15.4 km
1,445 m
hard
Year-round
Passo del Pura is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,445 meters (4,740 feet) above sea level in the Province of Udine, nestled in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region near the Austrian border. There's a cozy little parking area at the summit if you need a breather.
This beauty winds through the dramatic Carnia mountains, and the fully paved route—known locally as Via San Valentino, Pas dal Pure, or Passo Pura—connects SP73 to SS52 roads in a north-south direction. The whole stretch spans 15.4 km (9.56 miles) and typically takes 25 to 35 minutes to drive straight through.
Now, don't let that time estimate fool you—this isn't your average scenic cruise. The road is seriously challenging, with tight twisty sections, rougher pavement in spots, and unlit tunnels that'll keep you on your toes. You'll face 28 hairpin turns, some sporting a gnarly 12% gradient, plus the added thrill of navigating past the impressive Diga della Maina dam while keeping an eye out for rockslide hazards.
The pass has earned its stripes hosting stages of the Giro d'Italia, so you know it's legit. Whether you're a cycling fan, a road-tripping adrenaline junkie, or just someone who appreciates stunning alpine scenery, Passo del Pura delivers an unforgettable drive through one of northern Italy's most dramatic mountain landscapes.
Where is it?
Driving the defiant Via San Valentino to Pura Pass is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.4370, 13.1769
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,445 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.4370, 13.1769
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