Fortezza (IT)

FORTE CULTURA Station: Fortress Franzensfeste (IT) - Photo ©D.Röder

Franzensfeste - a masterpiece of Austrian fortress architecture

Bulwark on the Brenner Pass

The Franzensfeste fortress has guarded the Brenner Pass on the Italian side since 1838. With its 65,000 square metres of building space, it is the largest historical complex in South Tyrol. This masterpiece of Austrian fortress architecture extends over several floors with a labyrinth of rooms, corridors, courtyards and staircases. Originally designed as an impenetrable dam, it was fortunately never a theatre of war and was only used as a weapons and gunpowder store.

Today, past and present merge in a lively dialogue, while contemporary art enlivens the historic premises. Numerous exhibitions, events and guided tours convey history, art and culture. Nestled in the Alpine landscape, a visit to Franzensfeste is an unforgettable experience.