Doss di Sponde blockhouse
46°04′50.28″N 11°04′20.4″E / 46.0806333°N 11.072333°E
The Doss di Sponde blockhouse is a 19th century Austro-Hungarian fortification built to protect the city of Trento from an attack down the Vela Valley. The fort was built between 1860-62 just slightly upstream from Fort Cadine, also known as Bus De Vela. The fort has 2 floors facing the town of Cadine to the west and 1 floor facing east towards Trento. The fort has 1.9m thick walls and a 3m wide moat.[1] Doss Sponde measures 35 X 10.5m.[2]
The blockhouses' main armament was 2 12cm M61 casemate cannons with depression relays, which means it could fire downhill. In addition it had 2 8cm M75 field cannons. In 1900, Doss di Sponde was updated, and during this a rotating observation dome was added.[2] Sponde's crew was 1 officer and 56 enlisted men.[1]
Post-World War I
Sponde was discharged from the Royal Army on Mar 19, 1949, and was abandoned until it was bought on Feb. 13, 1955. Today it is owned by a private individual.[2]
References
- 1 2 "Trentino Grande Guerra - Blockhaus Doss Sponde | Forte Doss di Sponde". www.trentinograndeguerra.it. Retrieved 2026-08-10.
- 1 2 3 "doss di sponde". www.fortificazioni.net. Retrieved 2026-08-10.
- Forts in Italy
- 19th-century fortifications
- Military installations established in 1862
- 1862 establishments in Italy
- 19th-century architecture in Italy
- Buildings and structures in Bergamo
- History of Bergamo
- Tourist attractions in Bergamo
- Buildings and structures in Trentino
- History of Trentino
- Austro-Hungarian Army
- Military history of Austria-Hungary
- 1860s establishments in Austria-Hungary