The Mine Tunnel Verceia has recently unveiled a magnificent piece of history bearing witness to the First World War.
As we make our way in silence through the narrow tunnel that extends fully 200 metres into the heart of the mountain we hear only the accompanying echo of our footsteps. The very same measured tread would have been featured almost a century ago in distinctly harsher times. A visit to this vast underground labyrinth created by Italian soldiers between 1916/17 is guaranteed to trigger a range of genuinely mixed emotions. In the event of an invasion from the north during the Great War, the “mine tunnel” - as it was to be known – was designed to be able to cut road and rail links throughout Valchiavenna by the controlled detonation of an enormous quantity of explosives strategically placed in deep wells within the tunnel. Together with those of Brienno and Menaggio on Lake Como, the tunnel at Verceia – the best preserved – clearly represents the ultimate form of defence. This extraordinary historical gem was officially opened to the public in late October following an
impressive programme of restorations funded by the Comunità Montana della Valchiavenna, Ersaf and Interreg finances. The tunnel entrance is situated in a really striking spot, overlooking Lake Mezzola, facing the Pian di Spagna natural reserve and on the route of the bicycle path which connects Valchiavenna to Valtellina and the Alto Lario. Here we have an opportunity to see first hand a massive undertaking: along the main tunnel there
are four branches and 18 lesser deviations. Within these are 16 mine wells, six bedrooms, four storage tanks and three air ducts. Once a military secret, today the place is a cultural
resource and popular tourist attraction. Guided tours can be arranged with advance booking.
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Informazioni ex art. 1, comma 125, della legge 4 agosto 2017 n. 124
Relativamente agli aiuti di Stato e aiuti de Minimis, si rimanda a quanto contenuto nel
“Registro nazionale degli aiuti di Stato” di cui all’articolo 52 L. 234/2012 (www.rna.gov.it).
