During the First World War, Mount Fortin was considered a significant defensive and strategic stronghold because of its open view of the Collio region and its spectacular, internationally renowned vineyards, as well as of Gorizia and the peaks of Mount Sabotino, Mount San Michele and Mount Calvario.
Evidence of this strategic position is the excavation of underground gun tunnels in the depths of the mountain between 1915 and 1916. After the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo, however, the front was moved and the structure soon fell into disuse, which is one of the reasons why it has survived and is still standing today.
The compound was built by excavating the friable sandstone of the mountain. It had to be reinforced with cast concrete to ensure the stability of the vault. The structure consists of two access tunnels connecting the two flanks of the mountain and nine firing ports, three overlooking Gorizia, three pointing towards the confluence of the Vipacco and Isonzo rivers and three towards Mount San Michele. In turn, the gun ports are braced by reinforced concrete portals that would protect the soldiers inside from any shrapnel.
The observation post from which the firing orders were relayed is located outside, directly above port no. 3. This station is not accessible today. Three rainwatersupply tanks were installed close to rear entrance No. 1. To commemorate the centenary of the Great War, a sculpture with a plaque bearing the inscription "Numquam in bello", signed by Giuseppina Grossi Bennati and the work of master Luigi Voltolina, has been placed just beyond the tunnels. IMPORTANT:
This area is the private property of Tenuta Villanova. Access to the property is therefore only possible with a guided tour offered by the owners of the estate.
How to get there:
Follow State Road 351 from Gorizia in the direction of Gradisca d'Isonzo, pass the village of Mainizza and proceed in the direction of Villanova di Farra. From here, take Via Contessa Beretta towards the eastern slope of Mount Fortin and then follow Strada del Castagno to a dirt road that climbs the mountainside cultivated with vineyards to the entrance of the gun tunnels.
