Ancien fort de Pattacreuse, 19th century fortification in Val-Cenis, Italy
Ancien Fort de Pattacreuse is a mountain fortification perched at approximately 2385 meters on the northern slope above Mont Cenis Lake. The structure features solid stone walls and overlooks the surrounding valleys and mountain ridges from its elevated position.
This military fortification was built in 1887 to monitor the border area between France and Italy during the late 1800s. It represents a chapter in the military strategy of that era when such structures guarded remote mountain passages.
The fort represents a testament to military engineering techniques of the 1800s, demonstrating the architectural capabilities of mountain fortification construction.
Access to the fort requires a hiking route of around 14.5 kilometers round trip starting from the Saint Barthelemy chapel parking area. The hike demands moderate fitness due to the altitude and steep terrain, though it is manageable for those accustomed to mountain walking.
The walls are built entirely from dry stone without mortar and have withstood extreme alpine weather for over a century. This construction method demonstrates the remarkable skill of builders who created such durable structures without modern materials or techniques.
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