photo ©Superbass

The Rocca d’Anfo fortress sits majestically in the steep mountains on the western side of Lago d’Idro. It was built in the 15th century by the Republic of Venice and originally served as a defence and guard post on the border with present-day Trentino. In the early 18th century, Napoleon expanded Rocca d’Anfo into the largest Napoleonic fortress in Italy. Covering an area of around 50 hectares, it includes batteries, barracks, towers, a network of underground tunnels and passages and a Belverdere as a lookout point.

After the Second World War, everything that was usable was removed by “salvage workers”. Rocca d’Anfo was used by the Italian army until 1975 and then decommissioned. After decades of decay, work began around 2006 to protect and rebuild the unique fortress. Today, some areas can once again be visited on guided tours, always combined with magnificent views over Lake Idro and the surrounding area.

A collection of various artefacts also offers visitors a unique insight into the region’s military past and immersive experiences.

In February 2025, Giovanmaria Flocchini, President of the mountain community of Valle Sabbia, signed up to the FORTE CULTURA network. The aim is the further development and tourist valorisation of the mountain fortress with FORTE CULTURA in connection with international networking. The Rocca d’Anfo fortress in Valle Sabbia is now the fifth FORTE CULTURA centre in Italy after Sabbioneta, Forte di Bard, the Franzensfeste and the Monte Soratte bunker.