HomeHistoryDolomite Mountain’s Hidden Gem: The Astonishing Alpine Embedded Amidst World War I
Dolomite Mountain’s Hidden Gem: The Astonishing Alpine Embedded Amidst World War I
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An alpine embedded from World War I tucked up on the sheer face of a Dolomite Mountain in Italy. One of the most striking reminders of World War I is Mount Cristallo, a little alpine refuge situated more than 2700 meters above sea level in Italy’s Dolomite highlands. With brick walls, a sloping roof, two doorways, and four wooden-framed windows, this amazing refuge was constructed inside one of the massif’s summits. There are several shutters on the windows.
Upon first appearance, it seems that exiting the shelter would mean plunging into the valley beneath. Because of the extremely cold conditions that soldiers had to endure during World War I, often known as “The White War,” it is thought that Italian soldiers built the haven. It is just one among many. You will find much more on the glaciers and in every Dolomite ravine. Not unexpected. Soldiers can at least get some rest at these refuges.
Italy formally declared war on Austria-Hungary on May 23, 1915. Therefore, in the Dolomites, Italy and the Austro-Hungarian armies engaged in bloody combat. It must have been a challenging period for numerous countries. It was not easy for the soldiers to stay in the sanctuary because many of them would have restless nights due to the bitter cold.
Supply routes and tunnels were carved out of the ice and rock, and soldiers and pack animals traversed the untamed and harsh landscape carrying artillery and ammunition. Both sides launched avalanches to destroy the opposition. These warriors built refuges to provide cover from the fierce fighting, using rope ladders and cableways to reach difficult-to-reach areas. The catastrophic First World War undermines global peace as a whole.