History
The fort Carpenedo, built at the end of the 19th century according to the Tunkler model, is together with it’s twin-forts Gazzera and Tron (built in the same period) and Fort Marghera (built in the beginning of the 19th century by the Austrians) the “Campo Trincerato” (complex of fortifications) of Mestre. The main goal was to defend Venice and it’s port from enemy attacks during war, the specific goal of Fort Carpenedo consisted in controlling the north-eastern area, means the railway from Trieste and the Terraglio (the road connecting Mestre and Treviso).
But let’s enter the fort before continuing the historical excursus!
After having crossed the access bridge to the fortification, located in the middle of a small “lake”, you will see two clefts in the upper part of the gateway that indicate that the final part of the bridge was once a draw bridge: just like in medieval castels. Have a closer look at the entrance: the gateway is “crowned” by the original coat of arms of the house Savoia (end of the 19th century) with the arms of the artillery corps that controlled the fort.
Having entered the fort, you’re going to find yourself in front of the “nucleus” of the fortification: the “traversone centrale” that once housed the offices, the accomodation facilities for the officers, the hospital ward, etc. It’s upper part was modified in 1910, adding six new fire positions “with dugout” to be able to shoot at 360 degrees. In the structure opposite the traversone (just go around the corner) you will see a door which is the starting point of a souterrain corridor, nearly 750m long, proceeding along the whole circumference of the fort and permitting the soldiers to reach every point of the fort protected by enemy fire.
Did you also realize that the fort is literally “immersed” in green, in bushes and trees? Actually, the Tunkler model envisaged to hide “all” the structures of the fortification under thick layers of sand and earth to protect them from explosions and enemy fire. Furthermore, the military force planted trees and other species in the fort that you can still see nowadays.
The fort is looked after by volunteers that are not only guaranteeing it’s maintainment, but also the organization of guided tours and different events (for instance historical dinners, conferences, etc.). For further information inquire the website www.fortecarpenedo.it, or the volunteers on-site that will provide you with a map of Fort Carpenedo (and of the laguna with different itineraries to visit the other fortifications) and a programm.
Families, groups and couples find – in the upper part of the fort, on the west side – picnic tables to enjoy some snacks, and for the “spontaneously starving” there’s a “catering point” just before entering the fort.
Guided tours
Every first sunday of the month.
Paolo +39 348 23 05 814
Opening hous:
March-October
Tuesday-Friday: 15.30 – 19.00
Saturday/Sunday: 09.00 – 13.00/15.30 – 19.00
November-February
Wednesday-Friday: 15.00 – 19.00
Saturday/Sunday: 09.00 – 13.00/15.30 – 19.00
Fort Carpenedo
Via Vallon 101
30174 Mestre/Venezia
Bus line: 2 (from Venice) terminal stop Viale Don Sturzo
By bike: bike path
By car: tangent exit Terraglio
