Batteria Veneta

Situated in a position to control Lake Idro and part of the valley, this structure dates back to the rule of the Serenissima Republic of Venice. From the Rocca Vecchia Battery to reach the second block, it was necessary to overcome a certain difference in height with overhanging rocks, passing through a series of ladders used as connecting paths. The buildings on the upper part were used for real defensive purposes, as well as barracks to house all the troops stationed there.

The Venetian Battery underwent various changes up to the Second World War. In fact, some documents state: The Venetian Battery has all the characteristics of the other batteries that can be armed, built in groups of granite, with large embrasures and with a rounded façade towards the lake. All that is special about this battery is the slender tower that stands beside it. It was built in the years immediately preceding the Second World War, with the only purpose of making it look like a bell tower to the layman, and the whole fortress complex like a magnificent abbey. With the same purpose, several fake tabernacles were built along the wall joining the Venetian Battery to the rocks above. These constructions testify to the great good faith of the planners, who were perhaps unaware that by this time the Rocca d’Anfo had been shot by countless lens from every nation who, undisturbed, had flown over it at very low altitude.