Imagine a slender tower rising beside a formidable battery. This is Batteria Nuova. It is no ordinary military structure. The tower was built to deceive.
Batteria Nuova has a captivating history. Let’s delve into its secrets.
Batteria Nuova is located near Lake Idro. It stands in a position to control the lake and part of the valley. The structure’s origins trace back to the Serenissima Republic of Venice. This was during their rule.
To reach the second block from the Rocca Vecchia Battery, overcoming a height difference was necessary. Overhanging rocks and a series of ladders served as connecting paths. The buildings above were for defensive purposes. They also housed troops.
Over the years, Batteria Nuova underwent changes. These continued up to World War II. Documents reveal interesting details. Batteria Nuova shared characteristics with other batteries. It had granite construction and large embrasures. Its facade faced the lake.
The slender tower is what made Batteria Nuova special. It was built just before World War II. Its purpose? To resemble a bell tower. Planners hoped to disguise the fortress as an abbey. Fake tabernacles were added along the wall. These joined Batteria Nuova to the rocks above.
The planners’ good faith is evident. However, their efforts were in vain. By that time, countless lenses had photographed Rocca d’Anfo. These lenses flew over it at low altitudes.
Batteria Nuova’s construction spans several periods. The first period was between 1500 and 1600. Additional work occurred around 1805. Further modifications took place from 1870 to 1890.
As a battery, Batteria Nuova covers 120 square meters. Its altitude is 460 meters above sea level.
Today, Batteria Nuova stands as a testament to Venetian ingenuity. It showcases their strategic thinking. It blends military functionality with clever deception. The tower tells a silent story of calculated camouflage.