Passo Santa Franca
Climbs
| Name | Category | Gradient | Length | Ascent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passo Guselli from Magnani | 2 | 5.2% | 10.9 km | 573 m |
| Passo Santa Franca from Bettola | 1 | 5.4% | 17.8 km | 965 m |
Data from climbfinder.com
Join me for an unforgettable summer ride as I leave the historic city of Piacenza, located in northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, and climb all the way up to the stunning Passo Santa Franca (1276m). This ride takes you through some of the most scenic and lesser-known cycling routes in the Apennine foothills, on a sunny and scorching June day.
📍 Route Overview: ✅ Departure from Piacenza ✅ Through Carpaneto Piacentino and the green hills of Val Chero ✅ Pass by the archaeological site of Veleia Romana – a once-thriving Roman settlement ✅ Up via Passo Guselli, and final push to Passo Santa Franca (1,270m elevation) ✅ Descent to Groppallo and Farini in Val Nure ✅ Return loop back to Piacenza
🌄 About the Region:
Piacenza is known for its Roman heritage, charming city center, and as a gateway to the Apennine valleys. Val Chero offers rolling hills and agricultural landscapes, perfect for a scenic warm-up. Veleia Romana, nestled among the hills, was a Roman municipium with baths, a basilica, and a forum — often called the “Pompeii of northern Italy.” Val Nure becomes increasingly wild and mountainous — ideal for cyclists looking for a long, rewarding climb with panoramic views.