The war memorial of Passo del Tonale
A military shrine commemorating world war I
The border between Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige at Passo del Tonale was the site of fierce battles between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies during World War I. Here stands one of Italy’s most poignant monuments, the Military Shrine of Tonale, which preserves the memory of the fallen soldiers.
The History of the Tonale Monument
The shrine was inaugurated in 1924, designed by architect Pietro del Fabbro and sculptor Timo Bortolotti as part of a broader program to commemorate the Great War’s fallen. The imposing structure, built in a neoclassical style, rises at 1,880 meters above sea level, dominating the pass with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. This stunning setting enhances the monument’s reflective and emotional impact.
Inside the shrine are the remains of over 800 Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers, united in death after being adversaries on the battlefield. Specifically, the remains include 847 Italian soldiers (34 unknown), transferred from various decommissioned military cemeteries (such as those in Case di Viso, Ponte di Legno, Pezzo, Stadolina and Temù), along with eight Austro-Hungarian soldiers and five unidentified bodies recovered from the Lobbia Alta glacier in the 1960s.
One of the shrine's most touching aspects is the section dedicated to Austro-Hungarian soldiers. Their inclusion symbolizes reconciliation and peace, emphasizing that the suffering of war unites all people, regardless of nationality.
The Shrine’s Structure
The solemn grandeur of the Tonale Military Shrine is reflected in its design. The main structure is a large stone cube with a Latin cross carved into its front façade, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption. Atop the cube stands a Winged Victory reaching toward the sky.
Access to the shrine is via a monumental staircase leading to a porticoed entrance. Inside, commemorative inscriptions honor the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers. The interior is divided into two sections: a crypt housing the remains of the fallen and a chapel for prayer and reflection. The crypt contains the soldiers' remains in individual niches or communal ossuaries, depending on the identification of the remains. Each niche is inscribed with the soldier’s name, origin and, if known, the date of death.
The Historical Context of Passo del Tonale
Passo del Tonale was a crucial strategic location during World War I, serving as one of the main mountain passes connecting Lombardy to Trentino-Alto Adige. The area saw numerous clashes between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops in a positional war fought under extreme climatic and environmental conditions.
The soldiers battled at high altitudes, often amidst snow and ice, where the harsh environment compounded the dangers of war. This high-altitude warfare became known as the "White War." The construction of trenches, fortifications and barracks on both sides of the pass, some still visible today, testify to the intensity of the conflict in this region. Soldiers faced not only enemy fire but also the perils of avalanches, extreme cold and disease, which claimed many lives. The sacrifices of those who fought at Passo del Tonale are remembered with particular reverence for these extraordinary hardships.
Visiting and Reaching the Shrine
A visit to the Military Shrine of Tonale is highly recommended for those seeking a moment of connection between history, memory and nature. The shrine is open to the public year-round, though the best time to visit is in spring and summer when the weather is milder and roads are more accessible. In winter, while Passo del Tonale is a popular skiing destination, weather conditions can make access to the monument more challenging.
To reach the shrine, follow the SS42 Tonale and Mendola road, which connects the provinces of Brescia and Trento. By car, the pass is easily accessible from Edolo in Lombardy or Vermiglio in Trentino-Alto Adige.
Public transport options include buses from Edolo and Trento with stops in the valley's main towns. Upon arrival at Passo del Tonale, the shrine is easy to spot due to its prominent position. A visit to the shrine can be combined with a walk along the surrounding trails, offering panoramic views and remnants of trenches and fortifications from World War I. For those interested in a deeper exploration of the conflict’s history in this region, guided tours are available, often organized by local associations or the municipalities of Ponte di Legno and Vermiglio.
