Historical background and composition
The Torre Moscarda barrier, located north of Paluzza in the locality of Enfretors, was built between 1938 and 1940 and was part of the Alpine Wall. Between 1951 and 1952, four out of the seven works it consisted of were restored owing to the new defensive requirements against the forces of the Warsaw Pact. They underwent some structural changes, for example to increase their anti-tank capacity, and their by then ineffective armament was replaced. At the end of the reactivation process, this is how they were organised:
- work 1: consisting of one P position (for anti-tank unit) and two M positions (for machine gun);
- work 2: consisting of one P position and three M positions;
- work 3: consisting of one P position and three M positions;
- work 6 (accessible to visitors); consisting of two M positions.
Apart from the works, the anti-tank ditch was also reactivated, which starting from the bed of the But stream reached the low slopes of Mount Paularo and blocked the valley to the east of the stream.
Purpose
The barrier constituted a system with the fortified complex on the Monte Croce Carnico pass; its purpose was to block the But Valley in the narrow part of Enfrators, which had to be crossed by those coming from the north. Guarding this place was supposed to prevent enemy forces coming from the Gail Valley, which stretches westward from Villach, from penetrating the But Valley and continuing their attack towards the Friulian high plain.
DIRECTIONS
The barrier is located in Enfretors, in the municipality of Paluzza (UD). The structure open to visitors is located under Torre Moscarda, 500 metres north of the town of Paluzza.
OPENINGS TO THE PUBLIC
The structure, which is open to the public, may only be visited by contacting the organisation Visit Zoncolan in advance.
CONTACTS