Forte Montecchio Nord

About the museum

Forte Montecchio Nord was built in a few months between 1912 and 1914, on the eve of the First World War, as one of the great fortified works of the defence system of the Northern Frontier facing Switzerland. The system was conceived by the Kingdom of Italy to protect the country from a possible large-scale attack through the Swiss Confederation by Germany or Austria-Hungary. Its structures are concentrated at the main access routes to the Po Valley: Great St Bernard, Simplon, St Gotthard, Splügen, Maloja, Bernina, Stelvio and the Tonale–Aprica line.

The fort stands at the point where five of these routes converge, with the task of preventing them from reaching Milan. It is entirely dug into the rock, with buildings of concrete and stone, and has a complex system for collecting and storing rainwater. The barracks, with a kitchen, stores, an armoury and dormitories, are protected by a concrete roof more than a metre thick.

The operational part is the armoured battery, on two floors, which served the fort's four guns: on the ground floor the ammunition stores and the engine room with the generators, on the first floor the command room and the four gun turrets. The fort is now managed by the Museo della Guerra Bianca and presents itself as the best-preserved Great War fortress in Europe.

Highlights

• Great War fortress built in 1912–1914
• Armoured battery with the four gun turrets
• Barracks, armoury and troop dormitory
• Engine room with ventilation systems and generators
• Hand-painted map in the operations room
• View of Lake Como and the mountains of Valtellina

Permanent exhibition

• Visita alla fortezza – Route through the Great War fortress: barracks, armoury, connecting gallery, armoured battery with the four turrets and engine room.

Founded

1912

Operated by

Museo della Guerra Bianca

Visitors per year

approx. 12,000

Admission & discounts

Free admission for children up to age 5 and for members of the Museum. Guided tours for groups can be requested in Italian, English, French and German; for the combined guided tour of Forte Montecchio Nord and Forte di Fuentes, the guide costs €100.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car from Milan or Lecco: State Road 36 to the Piona exit, then SP72 towards Colico. After the railway station take the underpass, then viale Padania and via alle Torri, which leads in 500 metres to the entrance at number 8. From Sondrio: SS 38 to the Trivio Fuentes, then SP72 to Colico.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The venue can be rented for cultural events, on request through the office.

Plan your visit