Fortificazioni del Colle della Croce, Military fortification in La Thuile, Italy.
Fortificazioni del Colle della Croce is an underground fortress complex with stone walls positioned along the ridge between Mont Cormet and Colle San Carlo. The site features enclosed chambers and defensive positions that remain visible today.
Construction of this fortification began in 1930 as part of Italy's Alpine Wall defense system to protect the border region during European military tensions. It was built in response to the geopolitical situation of that period.
The fortification shows Italian military building practices from the 1930s, using local methods and materials from the Aosta Valley region. You can see how engineers adapted construction techniques to the mountain environment.
You can reach the fortification ruins by following trail marker 15 toward Lake Arpy, with the underground fortress entrance visible after a 10-minute walk. The terrain is steep and requires proper footwear and reasonable fitness.
The stone walls surrounding the site are over one meter thick and offer direct views of both the Mont Blanc massif and the La Thuile settlement. These substantial walls show how seriously the engineers took long-term defense.
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