La Locchetta

La Locchetta (805 mt. AMSL) is one of the highest peaks of the mountain ridge extending from the Xon Pass to Mt. Civillina. Thanks to its dominating position above the Leogra Valley, it served as an isolated artillery station from as early as 1916.

Afterwards, in April 1917, it was included in the so called ‘Ortogonale 1’ defensive line, and became a complex stronghold, protected by thick barbed-wire entanglements, safeguarding the Branchi Pass and the sides of the crest line.

All the typical stronghold works are still visible today: the military communication road system, the carriage roads along which the artillery pieces were towed, as well as paths, walkways, cave shelters, an artillery lookout post and several artillery positions.

The artillery positions on the ridge were all equipped with rock shelters and mounted 85mm and 149A heavy guns which could bomb the state road at the bottom of the Leogra valley, and the road from Valli to Staro. The accuracy of the shots was assured by an underground observation post at the top.