During the Great War, the front line of the fighting between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Italy passed between Sass de Stria and Piccolo Lagazuoi, cutting through the Falzarego Pass area. The Cengia Martini was the most important position in this sector of the front.
While the Austro-Hungarians were entrenched on the summit of Lagazuoi, between 18 and 19 October 1915 two platoons of Alpini occupied the ledge located halfway up the face of Piccolo Lagazuoi.
The occupation had been preceded by numerous reconnaissances on site, across rough and difficult rocky terrain.
Under the command of Major Ettore Martini, the Alpini managed to occupy Punta Berrino, the rocky edge that juts out to the east of the Anticima, and to establish themselves on the ledge that crosses the southern face of Piccolo Lagazuoi. This ledge proved to be a privileged position to strike the Austro-Hungarian Vonbank position defending the Valparola Pass.
The Austrians tried in vain to drive the Italians from the Martini Cengia, which had been fortified in the meantime. The troops were sheltered in shelter-huts leaning against the rock and capable of offering shelter to 140 men. Over time, the Martini Cengia was equipped with walkways, kitchens, a canteen, a warehouse, a telephone, a cableway station, a dressing station, a forge, a carpentry shop, and an orderly room. A tunnel was also dug to allow the ledge to be reached from the base of Punta Berrino and to protect the porters from the artillery of Sasso di Stria.
The fighting raged around the Martini Cengia for three years. Most of the Austro-Hungarian efforts on this front were concentrated in trying to push the Italians away from the Martini Cengia, 4 mines were exploded on the mountain creating the large scree that can be seen today at the base of Lagazuoi.
Only the Italian retreat in November 1917 put an end to the dispute. For the actions on Piccolo Lagazuoi, Major Martini received a bronze medal, a silver medal, a cross of merit and the Knight's Cross of the Crown of Italy.
Today, thanks to the recovery work, you can also see/visit the historical evidence of the Martini Cengia, part of the vast open-air Museum of the Great War on Lagazuoi.