Experience History Hands-On In Cortina
Just a century after the end of the First World War, a re-enactor wearing the uniform of the 3rd Regiment of the Tiroler Kaiserjäger, in full kit, illustrates the events from the Great War on Mt. Lagazuoi, scene of tragic battles between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops and improves our understanding of the tangible dimension of history.
Mount Lagazuoi is a veritable "castle of rock", with spires and turrets, and with military bases hidden in its bowels. During the Great War the Italian and Austro – Hungarian armies dug shelters in its interior for men and arms, transforming it into an impenetrable 20th century fortress.
Today you can visit the restored tunnels, trenches and machine gun posts in the Open Air Museum of Lagazuoi. The numerous routes will take you on a behind-the-scene tour of a dramatic war fought at a high altitude and which was unique in the history of man.
The entire area of the museum is crossed by paths viable on foot. Almost all the tunnels and trenches have been cleared and restored thanks to the work of numerous volunteers. Restoration of the steps has granted easier access to the sloping stretches of the tunnels.
The re-enactor wears a uniform to commemorate all those who have contributed to peace, who are against war, who believe that we have responsibilities in the present because of our recent past.
The initial path, no. 402, begins in front of the station of the Lagazuoi cable car. Follow this path for about 100 metres and then join a new path on the left which rises west over scree. Zigzagging up the western path you reach the rope route.
Following a system of ledges, you first reach the famous suspension bridge, which is 10 meters long and 25 meters high, and then a steep and exposed but well protected ledge. Then you go across well preserved emplacements and descend onto the Martini Ledge. Here you can see the big crater of the Austrian mine and the „ Anticima“ emplacement with the entrance to the Italian tunnels
From here a steep path leads first to the ridge, then to the summit of Piccolo Lagazuoi and finally to the mountain hut Rifugio Lagazuoi.
From Lagazuoi refuge descend to the top station of the cable car and here, on the right, take the path that winds though the Austrian trenches and takes you to the Italian tunnel which runs through Berrino Point (in the tunnel you need a torch).
You come out onto the Martini Ledge and after a further section on the ledge, descend to Falzarego pass on path no. 402.
The guided tours take place every day until 9th September 2018 starting from 9.30 am.
From 9th September until the end of the summer season of the cable car Lagazuoi - 21st October, subject to exceptional weather conditions - the guide is available on reservation by phone call 2 days in advance.
The tour lasts about one hour. You can book it in advance or simply wait for the re-enactor at the top station of the cable car or at Lagazuoi refuge.
Information and reservation:
Cable car Lagazuoi +39 0436 867301
Lagazuoi refuge +39 0436 867303
Organised by The Cultural Association of re-enactments, Historical Re-enactment Sentries Group of Lagazuoi
