BRENNER PASS, the lowest (4495 ft.) and one of the most frequented passes across the Alps in all ages, though the name used in the middle ages was "the route through the valley of Trent." It is the great gate of Italy, and by it most Teutonic invaders reached Italy. Many side passes join this great thorough fare. It was crossed no fewer than 66 times by various emperors, between 793 and 1402. A carriage road was constructed over it in 1772 and the railway over it in 1864-67. From Innsbruck to the summit of the pass (by rail) is 25 m. The line then descends through the Eisack valley past Bressanone (34 m.) to Bolzano (24 m.). Thence it follows the valley of the Adige to Trent (35 m.) and on to Verona (564 all 174-1 m. by rail from Innsbruck to Verona.