The road, detached from the SS 38 dello Stelvio, goes up Passaria Valley up to San Leonardo in Passiria; here begins the ascent to Monte Giovo Pass, whence the name, where it reaches its maximum altitude.

The stretch between San Leonardo in Passiria and Vipiteno was built by the Austrian military in 1912.

[1] From here, the road descends to Jaufen Valley until it joins SS 12 del Brennero.

In San Leonardo in Passiria, the main valley branches off to the north-west, through which the SS 44 bis continues, leading to Rombo Pass and to the border with the Austria.

Media related to Strada Statale 44 del Passo di Giovo at Wikimedia Commons