The Path of Our History

Thanks to the Alpini of Brentonico, we follow the traces of the Great War across 85 military sites and unique landscapes on the Brentonico Plateau

The initiative—promoted by the Alpini of the ANA group of Brentonico and realized thanks to the support of the Municipality of Brentonico and the Autonomous Province of Trento—represents a true journey through the historical memory and landscape of the Plateau. It is an itinerary that follows the ancient Italian-Austrian front of the First World War, featuring the restoration of 85 military sites and 16 locations of great landscape value.

The various routes develop along the old military roads built by both the Austro-Hungarian and Italian armies before and during the First World War. These roads, once traveled by soldiers, mules, supply columns, and artillery, now offer visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a landscape shaped by history and nature, set in the mountains surrounding the Brentonico Plateau.

The trail starts from the Piazzale delle Bandiere in Polsa (1.240 m) and climbs towards the Selletta and the summit of Cima del Vignola (1.607 m), offering sweeping views of the Adige Valley and, on clear days, Lake Garda. From the peak, the trail descends to the Selletta di Bocca d’Ardole (1.391 m), where the evocative road of the tunnels begins, featuring the large retaining wall built by 720 soldiers and workers. It then continues towards Corno della Paura (1.516 m), rich in military remains such as trenches and observation posts. On the descent, you encounter the 1st Army memorial stone, erected in 1916, after which the trail skirts Malga Pra Vec di Sopra and reaches Malga Susine, before returning to Piazzale delle Bandiere, completing a loop that combines panoramas, history, and nature.

Historical aspects are complemented by stunning natural views, with an extraordinary variety of flowers and plants typical of Monte Baldo; it is not uncommon to spot marmots, chamois, and other typical alpine wildlife living alongside cattle from the local mountain huts (malghe).

The best seasons to complete the full itinerary are from March to November, when the trails are clear of snow and nature continuously displays new colors. During the winter months, however, the area comes alive thanks to nearby downhill and cross-country ski slopes, allowing visitors to experience the Plateau in a different light.

Those who choose to visit these places will find not only expertly restored remnants of the Great War, but also a unique natural environment preserved by the Parco Naturale Locale of Monte Baldo, which protects one of the richest biodiversity hubs in the Alps. It is a route that becomes a profound encounter with history, the mountains, and the shared memory of a community.

Consult and download the gpx track with full details for the hike on the “Percorso della Nostra Storia” (Trail of Our History).