Forte Pozzacchio, also known as Valmorbia Werk, is the last fortress built by the Austro‑Hungarian Empire and represents the most advanced stage of its military engineering. This impressive wartime fortification was carved directly into the rock of the cylindrical hill above the village of Pozzacchio, which at the time marked the border between Trentino and the Kingdom of Italy. Construction began in 1913, but the work continued until Italy entered the war, and the fortress was never completed.
In the early 1900s, the fort was considered the most modern war machine of the Danube monarchy. In 1912 the access road was built, followed in 1913 by the barracks, the aqueduct and a cableway for transporting materials.
At the end of 1913, excavation of the moat and leveling of the summit began, with the goal of completing the fortress by July 1915. However, Italy’s entry into the war in May 1915 halted the project. On 3 June 1915 the Austro‑Hungarian army abandoned the site, which was immediately occupied by Italian troops.
Three years later, during a major offensive, the fort returned to Austrian control and remained so until the end of the conflict. Already unfinished, it was heavily bombed during the war and later stripped of all metal components in the post‑war years.
Over time, Forte Pozzacchio was removed from military property, transferred to the State, sold to private owners, and its surroundings were used as pasture. Only in the late 1990s did restoration efforts begin. The official restoration work started in November 2010 and was completed in summer 2012, focusing on debris removal and safety improvements.
The fortress is spread over three levels, mostly inside a vast cave. The only parts originally planned in reinforced concrete were the armored howitzer battery and the caponier. Today, only part of the structure is accessible: the main level includes troop quarters, service rooms, firing and observation posts, while the lower level houses artillery, machine‑gun and searchlight positions. On the upper section, a metal walkway traces the corridor that would have connected the armored domes.
How to reach Forte Pozzacchio
The fortress is located near Pozzacchio, close to the city of Rovereto, and can be reached via the SS46 Vallarsa road.
By car or motorbike From Rovereto: take the SS46 del Pasubio, continue for about 12 km, then turn left following the signs for Forte Pozzacchio. Before reaching the village, a small road on the right leads to the parking area. From there, a 15–20 minute walk brings you to the fort.
By bus or large vehicles About 10 km from Rovereto, near San Colombano, it is recommended to take the SP50 road.
Opening times
Forte Pozzacchio – Werk Valmorbia is open every year from 1 May to 31 October. From Friday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00. From 1 October, open only on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets
Full price: €6.00
Reduced: €3.00 (over 70, ages 6–18, armed forces, police, university students with valid ID, residents of Pasubio municipalities, partner organizations)
Free: children under 6, disabled visitors and companions, accredited journalists
For ticket purchase and updated information, please check the official website.
