The forts of the Lessinia

The Lessinia defence system was formed by five forts (Masua, Monte Tesoro, Santa Viola, Castelletto and San Briccio) linked visually at a distance of about 15/20 km from one another. Their function was to create a defensive arc north of Verona, integrated with the entrenched field of the forts built by the Austrians in the city, to protect against attacks coming from the northern border. Movement of military operations and the front advancing towards the Val Lagarina did not make these forts operational; they were used progressively as munitions deposits. 
Between late spring and summer 1915, from the high ground of the Lessini, Italian troupes started penetrating Austrian territory: they occupied Corno d'Aquilio, Monte Carega, Monte Altissimo, Monte Coni Zugna and the territories to the north of Monte Baldo, crossing borders without meeting any resistance. In the same periods, across the Val d'Adige, Italian troupes reached Ala, intending to continue into Valle Lagarina, whilst the front to the west was being opened, with some incursion attempts towards the fortified Riva del Garda emplacements. Despite this, the Lessinia area, considered of special strategic importance, was fortified continuously until 1918.