How to drive the brutal 29% ramps of Muro di Campeggio?

Muro di Campeggio, officially named Via Sumbilla, is one of the steepest paved roads in Italy. The route is a vertical asphalt wall that climbs the hills north of Pergoloso, hitting a maximum gradient of 29%.

Muro di Campeggio
Road facts: Muro di Campeggio (Via Sumbilla)
Location Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Length ~2.0 km (1.2 miles)
Average Gradient 15.9%
Max Gradient 29.0%
Surface Fully paved asphalt

Where is Muro di Campeggio?

The road is located in the Metropolitan City of Bologna, within the Emilia-Romagna region

How challenging is the incline of Muro di Campeggio?

The 2-kilometer climb maintains a severe 15.9% average slope. While shorter than the famous Muro di Sormano, the Campeggio ramps are steeper, reaching a maximum pitch of 29%. 

Is Muro di Campeggio paved?

The road is fully paved though narrow, unlit, and twists through a dense forest with zero steel guardrails or concrete side walls. During autumn, wet leaves and damp moss coat the asphalt, making the steep ramps slick. On the return drive down, the continuous 29% drops require holding the vehicle back using first-gear engine braking to avoid burning out the brakes completely on the descent. 

What happens if you lose traction on the Muro di Campeggio asphalt?

Driving up requires staying strictly in first gear. Stopping on the 29% sections makes restarting nearly impossible without burning the clutch.