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©Drone De Regard

Italian fortifications

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Italian fortifications, a forgotten border

Tension between France and Italy in the late 19th century saw the latter cover its peaks with several military structures. The region was still Italian at the time as King Victor Emmanuel II had managed to hold onto Tende and La Brigue when the county of Nice ended in 1860.

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©Drone De Regard

    Col de Tende fortified sites,

    jam-packed with history

    If you love history, the great outdoors and jaw-dropping views then you’re really going to love these stone fortresses whose loopholes look onto an idyllic landscape.

    A masterpiece: Central Fort. The border ridge is teeming with military constructions some of which have fascinating architecture. The Central Fort is one of them. It’s surrounded by 5 other rectangular forts. The Italian military genius built them between 1800 and 1900 surrounded by deep ditches which you’d take a drawbridge over to reach. Seriously spooky when it’s foggy!

     

    Did you know?

    A 3.2km cable car line was built in 1900 to link the mountain pass (no road access in winter) to the shops below.

    The Vallo Alpino,

    an outstanding heritage collection

    This fortified barrier was joined by a new defensive system in the 20th century: the Alpine Wall was built before World War II.

    Almost 130 structures were built between 1931 and 1942 from Col de Tende to the Italian border. The end of the war and Tende and La Brigue joining France in 1947 (Paris Treaty) put an end to the fortifications’ strategic interest. Some of these structures are now on French territory.

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    ©ASVAL
      Did you know?

      The Vievola dam in Tende was restored to its former 1939 glory by the ASVAL association. It’s the only Alpine Wall structure that visitors can explore in its entirety.

      musee-vallo-alpino.jpg
      ©ASVAL musée du Vallo Alpino

        Tende,

        forts attacking the peaks

        Trek

        among the forts

        Nature has reclaimed the sites and the abandoned fortresses are yours to explore on a hike or mountain bike trail. Enjoy incredible unobstructed views on a loop between Col de Tende, Central Fort and Tabourde Fort.

        Tende : des forts à l'assaut des cimes
        Tende : des forts à l'assaut des cimes
        Tende : des forts à l'assaut des cimes
        To reach the Roya Valley
        • Roya Valley Access

          Storm Alex hit our area hard on 2nd October in 2020. Please note that access to some Roya Valley towns and villages has been seriously affected.

          To ensure you have a great time, whether at mid or high altitude, we strongly recommend contacting the Tende Tourist Information service prior to your visit: +33 4 83 93 98 82 or tende-tourisme@menton-riviera-merveilles.fr.

          Roya Valley Access

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