Mountain passes around Amaro are primarily found in two distinct Italian regions: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, near the comune of Amaro, and in Abruzzo's Maiella massif, home to Monte Amaro. These areas offer diverse landscapes, from the Carnic Prealps to the central Apennines. The passes provide access to various outdoor activities and scenic viewpoints. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and historical significance.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Great view of the mountains
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The Church of Sant'Agnese is an ancient church, possibly dating back to the 12th century, and was probably built on the ruins of a pagan temple along the Celtic Way. As early as the 13th century, a hermitage of nuns, possibly affiliated with the Rule of St. Benedict, was attached to the church. They later moved to the village, where the monastery of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart is today. It is located on the saddle of the same name and nestles well below the saddle. Next to the church are well-preserved stone houses used for gastronomic and commercial purposes. It can be reached via two different routes. One leads up from Gemona, the other along a former military road from Ospedaletto via Fort Monte Ercole to the church.
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The name Venzone is of pre-Latin origin and was mentioned for the first time in 923 AD as Clausas de Abiciones, later becoming Albiciones, Aventinone, Avenzon, Avenzone, and finally Venzone.
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Small detour on a dirt road to reach Col di Zuca
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Wonderful pretty little place
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Sella Chianzutan is a pass in the Carnic Prealps at around 950 meters above sea level. It can be reached from both San Francesco and Tolmezzo: the latter is the toughest side, although the gradients rarely exceed 10%. Between 2010 and 2020, it was tackled three times by the Giro d'Italia: the first to pass through here were Ludovic Turpin, Sebastian Henao and Giovanni Visconti.
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Cycling through Venzone, no matter which way you come, is almost always worthwhile because it is simply a lovely, typically Italian village with a tragic past and shows how powerful solidarity among the population can be.
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Never too steep or busy the Sella Chianzutan rewards cyclists with a nice view at the top. Most of the climb coming from Tolmezzo is spent in the forest, which means few views on the surrounding mountains but also cooling shade. The descent towards Pozzis (and further to San Francesco) allows for incredible speeds!
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Mountain passes around Amaro are primarily found in two distinct Italian regions: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, near the comune of Amaro, and in Abruzzo's Maiella massif, which is home to Monte Amaro. These areas offer diverse landscapes, from the Carnic Prealps to the central Apennines.
Yes, the Church of Saint Agnes is a very popular saddle offering an easy walk immersed in the woods, making it suitable for families. Additionally, the Col di Zuca Archaeological Site is easily accessible and family-friendly, offering a great landscape and wonderful views.
The region offers diverse natural beauty. From Sella Chianzutan Pass, you can enjoy views of Monte Amariana. In the Abruzzo region, San Leonardo Pass is nestled in a scenic green basin with wonderful views of the Maiella massif and Mount Morrone. The Orta river also flows from San Leonardo Pass, and the area is characterized by forests and mountainous terrain.
The Col di Zuca Archaeological Site is an easily accessible historical site near Amaro. Additionally, the Church of Saint Agnes is a religious building with historical significance, reachable via a dirt road.
The mountain passes around Amaro are excellent for various outdoor activities. Cycling is very popular, especially at Sella Chianzutan Pass, known for its suitable gradients. San Leonardo Pass in Abruzzo is a year-round destination for hiking, cycling, and horse riding in warmer months, and skiing in winter. You can find more detailed routes for these activities in the Running Trails, MTB Trails, and Mountain Hikes guides around Amaro.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For cycling, hiking, and horse riding, the warmer months are ideal. If you're interested in winter sports like skiing, San Leonardo Pass transforms into a ski resort during winter, though it's known for strong winds and abundant snowfalls.
Yes, for cyclists, the ascent to Sella Chianzutan Pass from Tolmezzo is considered the tougher side, though gradients rarely exceed 10%. For hikers, San Leonardo Pass serves as an excellent starting point for various excursions, including a direct route to the summit of Monte Amaro, the second-highest peak in the Apennines. You can explore more challenging routes in the Mountain Hikes around Amaro guide.
Visitors appreciate the rewarding views and pleasant ascents for cycling, especially at Sella Chianzutan Pass. The opportunity for incredible speeds on descents is also a highlight for cyclists. Hikers and nature lovers enjoy the scenic landscapes, the easy walks through forests, and the panoramic viewpoints like the View of Venzone and the Carnic Alps.
Absolutely. From Sella Chianzutan Pass, you can see Monte Amariana. San Leonardo Pass offers wonderful views of the Maiella massif and Mount Morrone. Additionally, the View of Venzone and the Carnic Alps provides a beautiful perspective of the settlement and surrounding mountains.
Yes, Sella Chianzutan Pass features a sculpture park, adding an artistic dimension to the natural scenery. This unique blend of art and nature makes it a distinctive stop.
The Junction for Monte Festa and Monte San Simeone Ascents serves as a crucial starting point for ascents to these nearby peaks. It provides access to military roads that lead to plateaus with holiday homes, offering a gateway to further exploration of the mountainous terrain.


See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Amaro: