Forte Jafferau, Military fortress in Bardonecchia, Italy
Forte Jafferau is a military fortress on Mount Jafferau at 2805 meters elevation, built of stone with eight gun positions and underground barracks. The ruins still display the core structure of this Alpine defensive installation with its solid walls and bunker systems.
Construction took place between 1896 and 1898 when the Italian Army built a series of fortifications along the French border. This period of military building shaped the development of Alpine fortresses for decades to come.
The fortress shows how Italy built its Alpine defenses at the turn of the 20th century and how it viewed border security in mountain regions. The stone structures and gun placements reveal the thinking behind this location as a strategic stronghold.
Visitors drive up unpaved mountain roads to reach the site, with the final section requiring careful movement due to rocky and rough conditions. The high elevation and terrain make proper preparation and sturdy footwear necessary.
The fort sat at one of the highest positions of any Italian military installation and was a technical achievement for its era. Only one other fortress in Europe at even greater elevation surpassed this extreme location.
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