Nota-Pass

On the locations of the Great War in Passo Nota, Val Cerese and Fortini. Already in Roman times, the pass was a major means of communication between the Garda and Valle di Ledro and was crossed by a road. In 1703, the French and Austrians battled up there. A clearly visible plaque in the grassland recalls those days. Along Passo Nota numerous armies passed. In 1796, the Austrians were defeated by the French at Lonato, the Austrians in 1859 went to fight in S. Martino and Solferino, in 1866 some of Garibaldi’s units were preparing for the battle of Bezzecca. During World War I, it became the cornerstone of the defence on the Alto Garda Frontline, sufficient to accommodate the Comando di Sottosettore (Subsector command). A powerful defence system was created there consisting of two sets of entrenched lines supported by numerous artillery batteries located along the dominant ridges. Nowadays, you can follow the several miles of stations, with emplacements in the cave, concrete bunkers and gun emplacements, well connected by the dramatic military roads carved into the rock and a network of still viable trails. All tours depart from the Alpine Refuge of Passo Nota, easily accessible by car and mountain bike.