The fortifications in this area were built to block a possible enemy infiltration from the Valsugana valley through the Vigolana plateau, as had happened during the war of 1866, when the Italian troops of General Medici reached as far as Valsorda.
In the 1880s, the Brusaferro and Maranza Batteries, as well as the Maranza Blockhaus, were constructed.
At the outbreak of the First World War, modern fortifications were built to block access to Trento from Valsorda and extended up the southern slopes of Mount Marzola, with trenches, artillery positions, caves, and reinforced concrete structures.
Mount Marzola separates the Adige Valley from the Valsugana. Its northern peak reaches 1,738 m, and the southern one 1,736 m. From the summit, there is a striking view of the city, the Adige Valley and Vallagarina, the lakes of Levico and Caldonazzo, the Valsugana, and the Lagorai range, extending as far as the Brenta group.
Suggested itineraries:
- The Tour of the Maranza Fortifications
- From Bindesi to Fort Brusaferro
- The Marzola Loop
The Fortifications
Brusaferro Battery
Construction period: 1879–1880
Type: battery
Ownership: private
Open to the public: no
Condition: not restored
Disarmed in 1915
Maranza Battery
Construction period: 1881–1882
Type: battery
Ownership: public
Open to the public: no
Condition: remains only
Demolished in 1915
Maranza Blockhaus
Construction period: 1881–1882
Type: blockhouse
Ownership: public
Open to the public: no
Condition: remains only
Demolished in 1915
