Fort of Mt. Bernadia-Lonza

Not far from what remained the Italian-Austrian border until the Great War, visitors can explore the fort of Monte Bernadia-Monte Lonza at about 800 metres above sea level.

Completed in 1913–1914, it represented one of the most modern works of the “Middle Tagliamento” fortress system. The fire of its four medium-calibre guns could be supported by the batteries on Monte Pocivalo and Monte Carnizza, heights of the pre-alpine Bernadia massif, as well as on Mount Campeon, Mount Faeit and Ciuc dal Ronco, and by the fort of Adorgnano (Tricesimo).

Like other forts dating from the period before the First World War, it was disarmed before the Caporetto retreat and had no active role. It is nevertheless well worth a visit because of its excellent state of preservation, also thanks to an important restoration, and the panorama it offers.

From the parade ground of the fort, after crossing the bridge over the front defensive ditch, visitors enter the imposing two-storey armoured block, where the quarters for the troops, the technical rooms, the ammunition shelters, the hoist shafts and the four positions—once under armoured cupolas—for 149 mm guns on the roof can be recognised. It is also possible to descend the staircase to the left of the entrance, which leads to the defensive position beside the ditch and to the place where shells and explosives were stored.

Outside, in front of the fort, stands the evocative Julia Lighthouse-Shrine Monument built between 1954 and 1958, which holds the remains of six soldiers who fell in the First and Second World Wars. A few hundred metres away, along the road descending to Sedilis, the large remains of barracks and logistical buildings built as annexes of the fort can still be recognised.