Fort Montecchio-Lusardi

It is the only Italian fort from World War I which has been preserved intact with its original weapons.

The main function of the fort was to control the roads of Spluga, Maloja and Stelvio, in case the Central Powers decided to invade northern Italy, violating the neutrality of Switzerland.

The fort was one of the strongholds in a complex barrier system which extended up to Monte Legnone, though it remained inactive throughout the World War.

However, in 1944/1945, the fort figured in the Italian fascist regime’s planning for a Ridotto Alpino Repubblicano, or Alpine redoubt in the Valtellina, to make a last stand against the Allied advance.

Attractions in the fort include four French 149 mm guns, with a range of 14 km, each rotating inside a cast-iron dome.