The Perdonanzestellung trench (literally “Perdonanze position”) was built by Austro-Hungarian troops in 1918 to complete the fortified position belt that surrounded Vittorio Veneto from the west. An advanced observation trench that was located in a strategic position for the vast field of view on the plain below and on the Piave area (the frontal vegetation was demolished at the time). Its importance was increased by the fact that it was placed at the end of a small valley, in order to control the movements that took place in the minor cart tracks that led to the city. From it you could see the flames of the departing Italian artillery. In the event of an enemy advance, its function also consisted in identifying and signaling the direction of travel of the columns, providing updates to military commands and shooting data on any targets.
This trench, far from the front and carefully built, was originally a couple of meters longer, then collapsed over time. It was deep enough for the soldiers to walk upright; the bottom was built on a slope and provided with a base of pebbles that allowed the water to flow out and prevent the formation of mud. Wooden planks were placed over the pebbles for their entire length. The walls were obtained from the latticework of branches supported by poles, so as to prevent the ground from collapsing. On the sidelines there was a small roof of trellises to mask the main observation post and a folding wooden door, where a machine gun was placed if necessary. At the other end, towards the cart track, a small shack with a tin roof had been created where off-duty soldiers rested. For normal functions the post had 4/5 men under the command of a non-commissioned officer. Like all of them, it was protected by fixed barbed wire or "Friesian horses", of which one element was reconstructed with material of the time found on the spot.
We use cookies that are essential for the app and website to function correctly or are used to produce aggregated statistics. With your consent, we and our third-party partners will also use tracking technologies to improve the in-app and navigation experience, and to provide you with personalized services and content. To give your consent, tap Accept all cookies.
Alternatively, you can customize your privacy settings by tapping Customize Preferences, or by going to Cookie Preferences at any time. If you don’t want us to use non-technical tracking technologies, tap Refuse.
For more information about how we process your personal data through cookies, take a look at our Privacy Policy.
We value your privacy ⛰️
We use cookies that are essential for the app and website to function correctly or are used to produce aggregated statistics. With your consent, we and our third-party partners will also use tracking technologies to improve the in-app and navigation experience, and to provide you with personalized services and content. To give your consent, tap Accept all cookies.
Alternatively, you can customize your privacy settings by tapping Customize Preferences, or by going to Cookie Preferences at any time. If you don’t want us to use non-technical tracking technologies, tap Refuse.
For more information about how we process your personal data through cookies, take a look at our Privacy Policy.