The “Monte della Croce” historic-military theme path

The “Monte della Croce” historic-military theme path

The path starts in Pian di Gembro, in front of the agritourism La Quercia Antica. This route of historic-military interest dates back to the First World War, is easy to complete and thoroughly documented by a series of explanatory panels. It was part of the Cadorna Line, for the defence of national borders, in the event of an Austrian assault.

The tunnels and trenches of Monte della Croce were part of the Poschiavino Barrier and the Aprica Pass Defence, which protected central Valtellina and the important Aprica Pass, connecting Valtellina with the Upper Camonica Valley. It is important to remember the construction of a fort in Canali, built in the eponymous hamlet above Tirano, which with its 149 mm pieces, towered over the valley and Poschiavo railway.

The area's naturalistic richness is dominated by firs, stone pines, spruces and birches, while bilberry prevails in the undergrowth. At the end of the itinerary, the peat bog can be admired from a panoramic point, in all its magnificence and sheer size. The path can also be completed starting from the dirt road that runs alongside the Pian di Gembro Nature Reserve; the board marking its starting point is on the side of the road, past the educational facility, as you head west.