In 1880, the lower and upper batteries of Mattarello were built. In 1900, Fort Mattarello was completed; together with the Dos Fornas Battery, it controlled the left side of the Valsorda valley, blocking access to Trento from the east through the Vigolana plateau. In 1915, these fortifications were considered inadequate for the defense of the sector and were disarmed; their artillery pieces were moved to new nearby positions. The armored domes of the main fort were relocated into caves. Many new structures redesigned the area.
The defensive plan also included the possibility of flooding the valley floor near Mattarello by blowing up the embankment of the Adige River. In this area, walking among villas and farmland, one can enjoy beautiful views over the Adige Valley with its valuable crops.
Suggested itinerary: The Tour of the Mattarello Forts
The Fortifications
Fort Mattarello
Construction period: 1897–1900
Type: fort
Ownership: public
Open to the public: no
Condition: not restored
Disarmed in 1915
Upper Mattarello Battery
Construction period: 1879–1880
Type: battery
Ownership: public
Open to the public: no
Condition: not restored
Disarmed in 1915
Lower Mattarello Battery
Construction period: 1879–1880
Type: battery
Ownership: private
Open to the public: no
Condition: remains only
Disarmed in 1915, destroyed in 1928
Dos Fornas Battery
Construction period: 1879–1880
Type: battery
Ownership: private
Open to the public: no
Condition: not restored
Disarmed in 1915
