Artillery battery of Mt. Cumieli

The defensive system centred on Monte Ercole Fort was supported by two artillery positions, the anti-aircraft section and the observatory on Monte Cumieli, 571 metres high.

Although this is a rather modest relief, its summit offers an extraordinary view over the territory below. It is no coincidence that this height was also exploited by German forces during the Second World War.

Its summit can be reached from Monte Ercole Fort by following the military road to just before the saddle at elevation 474, where a mule track branches off to the left.

Along the final stretch visitors encounter an artillery platform, the remains of the observatory barracks, several German field positions from the Second World War and, more difficult to identify in the vegetation, the two anti-aircraft gun platforms installed in 1915. Towards elevation 501, south of the small saddle at elevation 474, there emerge the cave-like ammunition shelters and the other well-preserved barbette position.