Built between 1904 and 1907, Forte Garda is characterized by the modern construction concept which sees extensive use of compressed concrete supported by steel beams, the total absence of decorative elements and consistent armament. It was the first example of this typology built in Trentino and was a model for the subsequent fortifications built on the plateaus of Folgaria and Lavarone and for the Tonale and Carriola forts.
The work was supposed to guarantee the defense of the entire Upper Garda system. The fort was camouflaged and adhering to the ground, with the front (facing the lake) lower than the rear, where the entrance was. It had both offensive and defensive functions: it was equipped with 4 M99 howitzers in 360 ° rotatable armored domes, which allowed it to hit any target within a radius of 8.5 km. For close combat there were 2 M05 fast-firing guns, 3 M07 machine guns and shielded riflemen. On the vault of the fort there was an armored dome used as an observatory, while a long tunnel branched off from the gorge ditch with rooms used as water tanks and observation points that overlooked the rocky walls of Monte Brione. The fort was equipped with a powerful retractable reflector. The garrison was 150-200 men.
RECOVERY PROJECT
The restoration of the fort, owned by the Municipality of Riva del Garda, is part of a project that aims to make the work open to visitors, while maintaining its current state unaltered. The recent restoration works, concluded with the inauguration of Forte Garda on 2 July 2017, involved the removal of vegetation, the waterproofing and restoration of the roof, the recovery of internal spaces through the cleaning and safety of the paths. , the consolidation and recovery of the stone elements of the façades, the provision of a minimum and suitable plant to cope with the new destinations of use. Externally, the access routes were made safe and the information panels placed.
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