Forte Foens, Military fort in Oulx, Italy
Forte Foens is a military fort positioned high in the Alpine terrain, featuring defensive walls with loopholes and small bastions arranged for strategic firing positions. The structure spans multiple levels and takes advantage of the natural mountain topography to reinforce its defensive layout.
The fort was built between 1897 and 1899 as part of Italy's defense strategy along its northern boundaries. It was equipped with heavy artillery to command and protect the mountain valley below.
The fort represents late 19th-century Italian military architecture, incorporating underground storage facilities and specialized ammunition transport systems.
The fort is accessible via a mountain trail that starts from lower elevations and requires time and proper hiking fitness to reach. The route is passable year-round, though winter conditions can make the path significantly more demanding.
The fort was designed to house over 300 soldiers and pack animals, complete with an underground powder magazine accessible by a freight elevator. This logistics setup reveals how carefully the infrastructure was planned for sustained occupation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
