An open air First World War Alpine Arena

Some high level areas will fascinate those interested in World War I. Fighting broke out here between Italy and Austria in 1915, as their border ran through the mountains. Committed to the Russian front, Austria abandoned political boundaries and retreated to defendable mountain tops and passes. In snow and freezing temperatures, a tragic and inconclusive conflict ensued, as both sides pushed for high positions in the massifs, ingeniously building fortifications, trenches, look-out posts and miles of tunnels. Much of it is still here.

Such was the proximity of the two sides, hand-to-hand combat was common and troops slept within earshot of the enemy. On one occasion the Italians constructed some 1100 metres of tunnels to explode a mine beneath Austrian positions. The Austrians heard them and retreated in time.

Winter 1916 was bitter and 10,000 men died in avalanches; one alone killing 4000 on the Marmolada. Neither side won and with little recognition of the actual events, the region's destiny was determined far from the battle zone in Paris in 1919.

Today there is an open-air WWI museum at Monte Lagazuoi and Cinque Torri. It is a popular location for walkers and several high level routes converge on the area, featuring remnants of the fighting.

For non-walkers, a dramatic cable car takes you to a spectacular 360° panorama at Rifugio Lagazuoi. From the cable car, you will see Lagazuoi's face with its ledges and observation posts, each one an off-shoot from the labyrinth of tunnels that exist in the mountain, which are safe and open for you to explore. A single pass will give you access to the cable car, the chairlift ascent to Cinque Torri just down the road and the nearby indoor museum at the Tre Sassi Fort.

Each Wednesday throughout July and August, you can join a fascinating and spectacular war walk with Isabelle Johnson, a local war historian. The walk starts near the Tre Sassi Fort, explores trenches around the foot of Sass de Stria, ventures into the Goiginger War Tunnel before summiting at a point with arguably the best 360° panorama in the area before returning to the fort, where you can tour the museum if you wish. *To guarantee participation, please pre-book this walk before your holiday. Cost €15 per person.