Forte Rivoli
Among the many fortifications built over the centuries in the Verona, none can match thescenic grandeur, distinctive architecture, and superior construction quality of Forte Rivoli, formerly known as Wohlgemuth. Situated a top a rocky spur, overlooking the Adige River and dominating the main communication route to Northern Europe a route steeped in countless historical eventsand formidable battles Rivoli Fortoffers an incomparable, breath taking view of thevalley below. The impressive military complex dominates Rivoli Veronese. Its strategic position has long witnessed significant migrations, commercial exchanges, cultural interactions, and grandmilitary events. These events have peaked here, underscoring the site's importance over the centuries.
Historical Notes
The human settlements in this area are very ancient, dating back to the Neolithic period, as evidenced by significant finds on Mount Rocca. The first known settlers were the Atestini, who arrived around 1000 BC, followed by the Arusnati, a people of Rhaetian-Etruscan origin.
The Romans also recognised the strategic importance of this location. According totradition, Quintus Lutatius Catulus Capitolinus awaited and defeated the advancing Cimbrinear the Chiusa in 102 BC. Throughout history, various groups have passed through thisarea, including the Visigoths, Swabians, Vandals, Huns led by Attila in 451 (who were laterstopped by Pope Leo I in Salionze), the Heruli with Odoacer in 476, and the Ostrogothswith Frederick1. Moreover, after the Roman conquest of the Insubrian Gauls in 225 BC, Valdadige quickly became an important transit route. As a result, starting in the 1st century AD, the ClaudiaAugusta road was built along the River Adige, serving as a crucial artery for commercial trade with the regions beyond the Rhaetian Alps. By around 1100, a fortification already stood on Mount Rocca and was attacked by the troops of Frederick Barbarossa. Over the ensuing centuries, the area grew increasingly strategic, becoming dotted with castles and fortified villages. The Scaligeri and the Most Serene Republic recognised its critical importance and maintained the existing fortifications well.
*LUCA GANDINI, Rivoli Veronese e la sua polveriera, La Valdadige nel cuore, Gruppo culturale EL Casteleto, 2018.
Ludwig Von Wohlgemuth
THE GENERAL HONOURED BY THE NAMING OF RIVOLI FORT
Originally, Rivoli Fort was called Werk Wohlgemuth in honor of the Austrian field marshal who distinguished himself in the Risorgimento war campaigns. Ludwig von Wohlgemuth, born in 1789, began his military career early in life. In 1804, he participated in the military campaigns against Napoleon Bonaparte, with significant involvement during the years 1814-1815.After a period as a mathematics professor, he resumed active service in 1836 as acolonel. In 1848, at the outbreak of the war in Lombardy-Venetia, Wohlgemuth show cased his exceptional military and leadership skills, notably during the "Five Days of Milan." Healso distinguished himself in the battles of Pastrengo, Curtatone, Goito, and Vicenza and in the victorious Battle of Custoza from April 28 to 30. For the exemplary conduct of his troops, he was awarded various honours. Promoted tolieutenant field marshal, he was transferred to the Hungarian war front despite havingplayed a decisive role in the Habsburg victory at Novara, which ended the First War ofIndependence. He was subsequently assigned command of the IV Army Corps inHungary, where the anti revolutionary war was still ongoing. He passed away in Budapestin 1851 while travelling to Vienna on the Emperor's orders.
The system of forts:
Austrian entrenched camp
On 22 July 1848, Rivoli Veronese was the site of a bloody battle between the Piedmontese army of King Carlo Alberto and the Austrian troops as part of the First War of Independence. The events of that day prompted Field Marshal Radetzky to initiate a series of fortification works, effectively creating a powerful defensive barrier system along River Adige.
Between 1849 and 1854, Austria, following a design by Colonel Conrad Petrasch, constructed an entrenched camp at the southern entrance to Valdadige. This camp featured four casemate structures capable of interacting with each other: Rivoli Fort (Werk Wohlgemuth) on the right bank of the Adige, and the opposite side of the valley, the Ceraino (Werk Hlavaty) and Monte (Werk Mollinary) Forts, along with the Chiusa d'Adige road cut (EtschKlause).
In 1861, these military complexes were reinforced by four additional forts positioned on the Pastrengo hills, designed to provide a crucial garrison and strengthen the Rivoli barrier system.
The strategic importance of the Austrian entrenched camp at the entrance to Valdadige was reaffirmed even after 1866, with the advent of the Kingdom of Italy. Consequently, they maintained all the forts in good condition and, in some cases, expanded them. The firepower of the Rivoli fortifications, with the other Italian fortifications on Mount Baldo and the Lessini mountains, served as a formidable deterrent against any attempts to penetrate the area during the First World War.
The Kingdom of Italy's fort
After Veneto joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1866, the existing defensive system in Valdadige was maintained and enhanced. Italian General Salvatore Pianell believed the fortifications could still be crucial in defending the northern border with proper modernisation and integration. As a result, the combat front of Rivoli Fort was reversed.
However, the existing defences were not deemed sufficient in the event of a mass attack from Tyrol. As a result, in 1881, the so-called Batteria Alta was built, a two storey straight casemate facing north, connected to the pre-existing cylindrical tower and extending to the edge of the cliff. Later, in 1884, a pentagon shaped structure known as the Batteria Bassa was constructed on the flat area immediately north of the cylindrical tower but at a slightly lower elevation, designed to enfilade the underlying Adige Valley.
It featured a large courtyard enclosed by massive bastions that housed casemated shelters for the garrison, warehouses, and other facilities. On the roof, protected by covering mass and an earthen parapet, were the artillery positions, either open-air or en barbette.
Additionally, in 1881, a new road was constructed, incorporating sections of the pre-existing one. The Massena barracks were built between 1881 and 1884 on the southern slope of Monte Castello to accommodate the garrison, with an annexed stable. During the same period, a powder magazine was also built to the south of the village, near Monte Pipalo. This powder magazine is a historical and architectural gem and still one of the best-preserved military buildings in northern Italy, serving as a munitions depot for all the forts in the area.
Following Napoleon's footsteps in Rivoli Veronese
The historical episode that made Rivoli Veronese famous worldwide dates back to 14-15 January 1797, when Napoleon's troops, engaged in the first Italian campaign, faced and sensationally defeated the powerful Austrian army in this area.
In this epic clash, Napoleon established himself as one of the greatest military strategists of all time.
The victory marked the beginning of his legendary career, with Rivoli Veronese always being considered the brightest gem in his crown of successes.
To honour this small village on the slopes of Mount Baldo, he named one of the most prestigious streets in Paris "Rue de Rivoli." He also bestowed the title "Duke of Rivoli" upon General André Masséna, a key figure in that battle.
Napoleon had a magnificent monument erected in 1806 to immortalise the heroic deeds of his army. This splendid Doric spire, which once soared to an impressive height of 20 meters, was partially destroyed by the Austrians in 1814 as Napoleon's star began to dim. The base of this remarkable monument is still visible today.
