Sperrstelle San Giacomo, Military fortress in Bedretto, Switzerland
Sperrstelle San Giacomo is a military fortress in Bedretto consisting of two linked sections with gun emplacements, observation posts, and machine gun nests distributed across multiple levels. The installation follows the contours of the mountainside.
The fortress was built between 1935 and 1939 following Italy's construction of a road to San Giacomo Pass in 1929. This response to Alpine development marked a turning point in Swiss border defense.
The fortress shows how Switzerland sought to protect its borders through military construction, integrating the mountain terrain into its defensive design. The hilltop location was strategically chosen to control the Alpine passage.
The fortress can be reached via marked hiking trails from May to October, with guided tours available by advance booking. Visitors should prepare for steep terrain and variable mountain weather.
The installation included two military cableways that transported supplies from All'Acqua up to Grandinagia and San Giacomo Pass in the high mountains. These cable systems were essential for supporting operations at such extreme elevations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
