Werk Gschwent, better known as fort Belvedere, stands at an altitude of 1,177 m on a spur of Jurassic grey limestone high above the Astico and River Torto valleys.
Dating to between 1909 and 1912, fort Belvedere was part of the line of modern fortifications built by the Austro-Hungarian army to prevent Italy pushing towards Trento across the high plateaus.
Fort Belvedere was the central point in a ‘steel trench’ that developed between Folgaria and Vezzena and, given its dominant position, had the task of blocking access to Trentino from the Valley of Astico and, with Forts Luserna and Cherle, of stopping the Italian army from advancing across the Lavarone plateau.
The fort was designed from the outset as an articulated complex comprising independent blocks, each with a specific function, positioned some distance from each other but linked by corridors and tunnels dug into the rock.
The structure includes the main bunker, which housed the accommodation, offices and technical areas; and the block of gun batteries, where the fort’s key weaponry was positioned.
Trentino Film Commission
Via Giovanni Zanella 10/2 — 38122 Trento
Phone: +39 0461 49 3501/3508
Fax: +39 0461 495460
Email: filmcommission@provincia.tn.it
