military shrine of Valli del Pasubio

The Pasubio Military Shrine (Sacello Ossario) is a monumental war memorial standing above Valli del Pasubio, one of the most significant World War I memorial sites in the Veneto region.

Where is it and what does it look like?

The monument sits on Colle Bellavista, just below the summit of Monte Cornetto, at roughly 1,217 meters above sea level, less than 2 km from the Pian delle Fugazze pass. From here the view stretches across the entire Val Leogra and the Pasubio massif, where some of the bloodiest fighting on the Italian front took place between 1916 and 1918. The tower itself rises about 35 meters, with a base 10.5 meters in diameter — a structure visible from a distance and a landmark for hikers on the Great War trails.

What does the ossuary contain?

The crypt at the base of the tower, together with two concentric galleries, holds the remains of 5,146 Italian soldiers and 40 Austrian soldiers who died fighting for control of Pasubio. Only 1,632 of them have been identified; the rest remain unnamed. The central crypt also contains the graves of 70 soldiers decorated for valor, along with General Guglielmo Pecori Giraldi, who commanded the Italian First Army from May 1916 until the war's victorious conclusion in November 1918.

Where does the shrine come from?

The story begins in 1917, when soldiers of the First Army who had survived the Austro-Hungarian Strafexpedition offensive decided to build a small chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Madonna. Bishop Ferdinando Rodolfi of Vicenza embraced the idea and pushed it forward. The architectural design was donated by Ferruccio Chemello, who worked without payment in memory of his son, an Alpine soldier killed on Ortigara. Construction ran from 1920 to 1926, and the shrine was formally inaugurated on August 29, 1926.

How do you get there?

The easiest access is via the Pian delle Fugazze pass, from where a short, well-marked footpath leads to the shrine — a popular stretch of the Alta Via della Grande Guerra, the network of historical trails tracing the old front line. From Valli del Pasubio, the drive takes only a few minutes, and the walk to the monument itself is easy, suitable for most visitors, including families with children.

When should you visit?

Late spring, summer, and early autumn (May to October) are the best months, when the high-altitude trails are fully accessible and views over the Alps and the Piccole Dolomiti are at their clearest. In winter the pass can be snow-covered, making the approach harder, though the monument takes on a stark, striking character in the snow. Morning visits are worth planning for — lighter foot traffic and better light for photographing the tower against the mountains.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The Pasubio massif functions as an open-air museum of World War I — trenches, tunnels, and fortifications survive nearby, including the famous Strada delle 52 Gallerie, a military road carved through the rock with 52 tunnels. Hiking trails connect the shrine to other memorial sites across the massif, making it easy to combine a visit to the ossuary with a full day of exploring the former mountain front.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the shrine free? The grounds around the monument and the exterior of the crypt are freely accessible; no ticket is needed to visit the outside.

How long is the walk from Pian delle Fugazze? The short, well-maintained trail usually takes 20 to 40 minutes one way, depending on pace.

Is the site suitable for children? Yes, the trail is technically easy, though it's worth remembering this is a war cemetery, not an ordinary tourist attraction.

Can you visit inside the crypt? Access to the interior can vary by season and opening hours — it's worth checking current information before visiting, since the site is a memorial managed by local institutions.