Attractions and Places To See around Velo D'Astico - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Velo D'Astico include a blend of natural beauty and historical sites within the Alto Vicentino region of Veneto, Italy. The town is situated among mountains like M. Novegno and M. Cengio, with the Astico River carving a gorge through the landscape. This area offers a variety of landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features for exploration. Its rich history is evident in medieval ruins and World War I military engineering.
Best attractions and places to see around Velo D'Astico
- The most popular attractions is General Achille Papa Refuge, a hut located at 1928 meters in the Val Canale. It was built after World War I using former Italian barracks and offers a panoramic position on the southern slope of the mountain.
- Another must-see spot is Road of the 52 Tunnels, a historical trail. This extraordinary work of military engineering from World War I features 52 tunnels created to supply Italian positions on Pasubio.
- Visitors also love The Scarubbi Road, a carriage road on the Pasubio massif. This convenient former military road, built during World War I, provides access to the summit area of Pasubio.
- Velo D'Astico is known for historical sites, natural features, and trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to river pools and mountain passes.
- The attractions around Velo D'Astico are appreciated by the komoot community, with 29 highlights, over 700 photos, and 498 upvotes.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Road of the 52 Tunnels
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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General Achille Papa Refuge
Highlight • Mountain Hut
The view up here is pretty breathtaking! Both from the hut, as well as the hut itself. Even the journey through the tunnel that ends here is an experience. In the hut you can strengthen yourself and even stay overnight. There is also a bivouac. Info unfortunately only in Italian: caischio.it/rifugio-papa
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The Scarubbi Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
La strada degli Scarubbi è una strada carrabile del massiccio del Pasubio, nelle Prealpi vicentine, costruita durante la Prima guerra mondiale. Lunga 10,5 chilometri, parte dal Passo Xomo (1058 m) e arriva alle Porte del Pasubio (1928 m).
Storia:
La strada degli Scarubbi fu costruita nell'estate del 1917, durante la Prima guerra mondiale, dall'Esercito Italiano per avere un accesso alla zona sommitale del Pasubio e quindi alla prima linea. Percorsa da autocarri, era tuttavia esposta all'artiglieria austriaca del vicino Monte Maio, essendo ricavata sul versante settentrionale del Monte Forni Alti. Veniva perciò percorsa in condizioni di particolare pericolo, in particolare durante la notte e a fari spenti. Furono sviluppate tecniche particolari per sfuggire all'artiglieria austriaca, come ad esempio sostare nei tornanti non in vista, per rendere più difficoltoso il puntamento dell'artiglieria nemica.
A causa della sua esposizione a nord, non era utilizzabile durante l'inverno e per buona parte della primavera: questi fattori resero necessaria la costruzione della strada delle 52 gallerie, molto più sicura ma non accessibile ai mezzi motorizzati.
Dopo il secondo dopoguerra la strada degli Scarubbi ha rappresentato, con quella degli Eroi, la principale via d'accesso alle prime automobili di gitanti. Chiusa al traffico motorizzato dagli anni ottanta con sbarra poco dopo Bocchetta Campiglia, è oggi accessibile solamente ai gestori del rifugio Achille Papa.
Oggi:
La strada degli Scarubbi è oggi di fatto l'unica via usata per l'accesso alla sommità del Pasubio con mezzi motorizzati. Nella sua parte intermedia, quella pianeggiante, è tuttavia soggetta a frane dopo le piogge primaverili e richiede annualmente lavori di manutenzione consistenti, per la rimozione dei detriti e la messa in sicurezza.
Viene inoltre scelta come via di discesa dalla maggior parte degli escursionisti, essendo molto più breve della Strada degli Eroi, sfruttando le scorciatoie sui tornanti delle Caneve di Campiglia.
Insieme all'altra rotabile rappresenta uno dei percorsi di maggior interesse storico e paesaggistico per la mountain bike.
(fonte Wikipedia)
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Vaca Mora Cycle Path (Former Rocchette-Asiago Railway)
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Xomo Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Tips from the Community
Road to the Rifugio Achille Papa. This is where you walk down if you're doing a circular hike with the 52 tunnels.
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Road to the Rifugio Achille Papa. This is where you walk down if you're doing a circular hike with the 52 tunnels.
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The first plans for the construction of a refuge on Pasubio date back to 1907. However, they were not realized until after the First World War, when the Schio section of the CAI began to build a refuge in memory of the soldiers who had fallen on Pasubio. Source: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rifugio_Achille_Papa
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One of the most beautiful and impressive hikes I've ever done. Simply breathtaking. The Strada delle 52 Gallerie, also known as the Strada della 1ª Armata or Strada della Prima Armata, is one of the most famous and most visited Italian military roads of the First World War. It was built to supply the Italian positions on the Pasubio.
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Named after General Achille Papa, Gold Medal for military valor who died during the First World War in 1917, the refuge is located at the saddle of the Porte del Pasubio, at 1,928 meters above sea level, on the massif of the same name. Today the Papa refuge is owned by the CAI of Schio and boasts around sixty beds.
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Splendid cycle path in a fir forest. Too bad it's not possible to travel the entire route of the old one up to Cogollo del Cengio
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With a mostly compact dirt surface, this pleasant cycle path was created from the railway line that once connected Rocchette to Asiago, and therefore the plain to the mountains. Along the route you can admire disused stations. The old steam train was nicknamed "vaca mora" by the people of the highlands and in one section it was equipped with a rack to overcome the large difference in height.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Velo D'Astico?
Velo D'Astico is rich in history, particularly from World War I. You can visit the Road of the 52 Tunnels, an extraordinary military engineering feat built to supply Italian positions on Pasubio. Another significant site is The Scarubbi Road, a former military carriage road on the Pasubio massif. Beyond WWI, explore the monumental ruins of an ancient medieval castle overlooking the valley, the 16th-century Villa Velo with its Chapel of the Redeemer, and the historic Church of San Giorgio.
Are there any significant natural landmarks or viewpoints in the area?
Yes, the region offers stunning natural beauty. The Astico River has carved a dramatic gorge through the landscape. You can also find the unique Xomo Pass, which offers scenic views and serves as a starting point for various trails. Other notable natural features include the mountains M. Novegno and M. Cengio, the Altar Knotto natural monument, and the Grenadier's Leap, which provides very scenic vistas.
What are some popular hiking trails near Velo D'Astico?
For hikers, the area around Velo D'Astico is renowned for its historical and scenic routes. The Road of the 52 Tunnels is a frequently visited trail, offering a unique historical experience. Many hikes lead to the General Achille Papa Refuge, located at 1928 meters in the Val Canale, which is a popular starting point for circular routes, including those involving the Strada delle 52 Gallerie. You can find more detailed mountain hikes in the area by exploring the Mountain Hikes around Velo D'Astico guide.
Can I find cycling routes suitable for different skill levels?
Absolutely. The region provides diverse cycling opportunities. A pleasant option is the Vaca Mora Cycle Path, which follows a former railway line from Rocchette to Asiago, offering a mostly compact dirt surface and views of disused stations. For more challenging rides, the Scarubbi Road on the Pasubio massif is a popular choice for mountain biking. You can discover a range of routes, including gravel biking, by checking the Gravel biking around Velo D'Astico guide.
Where can I find family-friendly activities around Velo D'Astico?
Many of the natural and historical sites can be enjoyed by families, especially those with older children who appreciate walking and history. The General Achille Papa Refuge is considered family-friendly, offering a place to rest and stay overnight after a hike. The Vaca Mora Cycle Path is also a great option for a relaxed family bike ride, allowing you to enjoy the landscape at a calm pace.
What is the best time of year to visit Velo D'Astico for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Velo D'Astico for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the mountains, historical trails, and river areas. Some higher altitude routes, like the Strada degli Scarubbi, may not be fully accessible during winter and early spring due to snow and ice.
Are there any unique natural features like river pools to visit?
Yes, one of the most amazing natural highlights in the area is the Contrà Pria Pools. These river pools are a popular spot for visitors seeking natural beauty and a refreshing experience, shaped by the Astico River.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions in Velo D'Astico?
Visitors frequently praise the blend of natural beauty and rich history. The Road of the 52 Tunnels is often highlighted for its historical significance and the unique experience of walking through the spiral tunnels, though a torch is recommended. The panoramic views from places like the General Achille Papa Refuge are also a major draw, offering breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains.
Are there any easy walking routes for beginners or those seeking a relaxed stroll?
While many routes in the mountainous areas can be challenging, there are options for easier walks. The Vaca Mora Cycle Path, though primarily for cycling, can also be enjoyed for relaxed walks on its compact dirt surface. For more running-focused, moderate difficulty trails, you can explore the Running Trails around Velo D'Astico guide, which includes routes like the 'Stone Bridge over the Posina loop from Velo d'Astico'.
How can I access the Pasubio massif from Velo D'Astico?
The Pasubio massif, home to the Road of the 52 Tunnels and The Scarubbi Road, can be accessed via Passo Xomo. From Valli del Pasubio, you can take the SP46 towards Rovereto, then turn right towards Passo Xomo. Parking is available at Bocchetta Campiglia, which is the traditional starting point for the Strada delle 52 Gallerie. The Scarubbi Road also starts from Passo Xomo and leads to the General Achille Papa Refuge.
Are there any dog-friendly trails or areas around Velo D'Astico?
While specific dog-friendly designations for all trails are not always available, many outdoor areas and trails in the mountains are generally accessible for dogs on a leash. It's always advisable to check local regulations or specific trail information before heading out. The Vaca Mora Cycle Path, for instance, is a pleasant route where you might encounter other pedestrians and their dogs.
Where can I find accommodation or places to eat near the attractions?
The General Achille Papa Refuge offers both accommodation and a place to strengthen yourself with food and drink, located at 1928 meters in the Val Canale. At Xomo Pass, you'll find an ideal spot to stop and eat, known for its Sopressa sandwiches. Velo D'Astico itself, and nearby towns like Vicenza, Schio, Thiene, and Asiago (less than an hour away), offer various options for cafes, pubs, and accommodation.
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