In Lombardy near Colico in the province of Lecco, there is the Forte Montecchio Nord , the best preserved fortress of the Great War. In addition to being a tourist destination particularly rich in history, it is a place that offers fantastic views natural.
Description
Since Forte Montecchio Nord is erected in a dominant position, you can enjoy a suggestive view both on Lake Como and on the mountains of Valchiavenna and Valtellina. Therefore, the visit to Forte Montecchio Nord is a unique experience from every point of view.
It was close to the Great War , when the Montecchio Nord Fort was built in a few months. The purpose of its construction was to become part of the complex system of fortified works aimed at strengthening the Italian defensive system of what is the northern border.
In fact, the then Kingdom of Italy, fearing a possible military action by the Austro-Hungarian and German armies passing through the territory of the Swiss Confederation, decided to create the Fort Montecchio Nord to protect the area bordering Switzerland. Not surprisingly, the entire defensive system put in place was concentrated to prevent a possible advance in that sector in the direction of the Po Valley.
Consequently, the Forte Montecchio Nord was part of that defensive line which included: the Tonale-Aprica line, the Stelvio, the Bernina, the Maloja, the Spluga, the San Gottardo, the Simplon and the Gran San Bernardo, or all those routes that were already, at the beginning of the twentieth century, equipped with fundamental and strategic railways and access roads. Forte Montecchio Nord, therefore, was built to defend important routes and to prevent a possible outlet in the direction of Milan.
The complete name of this incredible fortified work that was built by digging the rock to create the place for the stone and concrete buildings, is “Forte Aldo Lusardi at Montecchio Nord di Colico”. This name was assumed in 1939, as was the custom during that period, in honor of Aldo Lusardi, gold medal for military valor, who fell while, at the command of his platoon, he was heading to Macallè, as part of the military operations of the countryside of Ethiopia.
It became a museum in 2009 and today the Montecchio Nord Fort can be visited. Easily reachable both by train and by car, it is located in a pleasant tourist resort, located where the Valtellina and Val Chiavenna meet, an excellent base for going on wonderful excursions both in the Orobie Valtellinesi Alps and on Monte Legnone.
Today, the quartermaster, the command room, the infirmary, the officers’ quarters, the armory, the troop dormitory, the powder magazine, as well as the armored battery, the towers of the pieces and the numerous rooms that make up the stupendous Fort Montecchio Nord are waiting to be visited by the many travelers who love history and are passionate about natural places of unique beauty.
Opening hours and days
The complex can be visited approximately every day in July and August. During the rest of the year it is open to the public on several weekends, but not all. For groups it is open every day of the year by reservation. For detailed information, please consult the calendar on the official website.
Prices and Reductions
- Full ticket : 8 €
- Reduced ticket : 5 € (children from 6 to 17 years)
- Free : children up to 5 years; members of the Museum
How to get
Forte Montecchio Nord is located in the municipality of Colico, in the province of Lecco, a ten minute walk from the railway station. By car, from Milan take the Monza-Lecco (Strada Statale n ° 36 dello Spluga) towards Sondrio, exit at Piona and take the SP72 (Via Nazionale) towards Colico-Sondrio. After passing the center, take the railway underpass and exit onto Viale Padania, cross via alle Torri and reach the entrance to the Fort at number 8.
