Forte Preara, Military fort in Verona, Italy

Forte Preara is a small polygonal fort on a height north of Montorio castle, on the ridge dividing Valpantena from the Mizzole valley. Its irregular plan follows the crest: an earthwork front with a dry ditch, a one-storey casemated body facing the Mizzole valley, and an interior yard enclosed by a loopholed wall with a casemated caponier at its salient. A ramp from the courtyard leads to the open northern battery, with the bomb-proof powder magazine beneath.

Built in 1859–1860 by the Imperial Royal Office of Fortifications of Verona, the fort was named Werk John after Baron Franz von John, decorated for Goito and Volta Mantovana. It anchored the left bank of the Adige in the second entrenched field, and its open northern battery crossed fire with the Maximilian towers on Monte Gaina.

The fort is named after Baron Franz von John, honoured for his actions at the battles of Goito and Volta Mantovana; in 1866 he became chief of staff of Archduke Albert's army. It is also called Forte Montorio, and originally Werk John. Visitors can still see the dry ditch cut into the rock and the square caponier guarding the western entrance.

The site is accessible on foot, though visitors should expect a steady uphill walk to reach the hilltop location. Wear sturdy footwear and plan to spend time exploring the interior, where shade from stone walls provides relief from sun exposure.

The fort was originally equipped with different types of cannons positioned strategically along the walls to cover multiple approach routes. Traces of this original armament are still visible in the artillery positions when visitors explore the structure today.