Brief description

The Caposaldo Ospizio [Hospice Stronghold] is part of the 1st Defensive System and belongs to the overall Sector IX "Moncenisio", Subsector IX/b "Moncenisio", "Lago" Group.

It includes the following fortified works:

• Battery B3 (or 615th Battery G.a.F.)
• Centers 18, 19, 20 and 21
• Roncia anti-tank ditch
• Posts 27, 28 and 29
• Underground shelters F, G, G1 and V

After the changes in the borders between Italy and France ratified by the peace treaty of 10 February 1947 these works passed into French territory together with the plateau of Moncenisio and the upper part of Cenischia Valley. The transfer to France has at least saved it from the dismantling decreed by the peace treaty for the larger part of those works which remained in Italy (agreement of 18 July 1948).

The area of the plateau of Moncenisio underwent profound changes in the 60's as a result of the construction of the third dam inaugurated in 1968, as a result of which the original road, the "Hospice of the Moncenisio", and the fortified works were submerged by the lake whose level increased by several tens of meters.
It is important to note that the current road section between the Gran Croce and the Moncenisio Pass did not exist before this construction.

The works of the "Hospice" defensive line submerged in the lake are: the centers 18 and 19, the Roncia anti-tank ditch, the posts 27, 28 and 29, and the shelters G, G1 and V.
On top of the Shelter F the Pyramid Chapel has been constructed.

Bibliography

BOGLIONE M., Festung - Enciclopedia multimediale interattiva del Vallo Alpino e delle fortificazioni militari delle Alpi occidentali [Fortification - Multi-media Interactive Encyclopedia of the Alpine Wall and of the Military Fortifications of the Western Alps].
CORINO P.G., GASTALDO P., La montagna fortificata [The Fortified Mountain], Melli, Borgone di Susa 1993.
CORINO P.G., L'opera in caverna del Vallo Alpino [The Underground Works of the Alpine Wall], Melli, Borgone di Susa 1995.

Departure point

Piano delle Fontanette (2093 meters above s.l.), along the Route Nationale no. 6, above the Lake of  Moncenisio.

Access itinerary to the Centers 19, 20 and 21, and to Post 29

Center 21: From the settlement of Piano delle Fontanette proceed toward the Moncenisio Pass along the gravel road which runs parallel to the main road. Thirty or forty meters after the left turn one encounters the entrance block of Center 21, from which one can see the south block a little lower on the opposite side of the road.
Another way is to continue along the asphalt road until the raised platform on which the small metallic tower is located. Then descend to the blocks below.

Center 20: From the south block of Center 21 continue along the path until meeting on the left a trench which leads after 20 or 30 meters to Center 20.

Center 19 and Post 29: From Center 20 descend toward the lake, keeping in mind that the works may be submerged if the water level is high.

Access itinerary to Battery B3

From the far left of the space below the Pyramid Chapel, after having gone through the wooden gate, descend along the path which leads to the lake. Upon arrival at a small mound with a steel rod at the top to which some wire mesh is still attached, continue to the left on the secondary branch of the path until reaching the flat space with the ruins. There you will find below the above mentioned mound the upper entrance of the works, barred by a grill.
From the edge of the flat space, looking toward the left of the mound above the entrance, you can see a crater in the earth. It is the result of the collapse of the roof of the lower chambers of the battery located many meters below.
Continuing from the edge of the flat space along a rather difficult path which descends with some sharp turns almost to the lake, you reach the flat space of the lower entrance where you still find some service buildings. This entrance is also barred by a grill.
In view of the extremely precarious conditions of the inside chambers, due in particular to the presence of unstable cement blocks in various parts of the arches, and due to the complete collapse of the ceiling in the chambers between the second and third casemate, ENTRY IS STRONGLY ADVISED AGAINST.
Nevertheless the visit outside the works is very interesting which can be done by carefully going along the lake shore, finding in succession the 4 metal casemates and the observation post with the emergency exit.

Maps

Note: The maps of the Military Geographic Institute, unless there have been recent updatings, still show the situation before the lake was raised. They therefore can be useful for getting a topographical idea of the area when the works were still functional. However, in view of the great changes in the road network, they are of no use for finding your way.  

Equipment

It is indispensable to have a powerful and efficient light source, making sure to also have spare bulbs and batteries.
Due to relatively strong drafts and the low temperatures inside the works, sufficient clothing is recommended, also in warm weather..
It is necessary to wear mountain boots, and a protective helmet is recommended.

Precautions

It is advisable to not go alone inside the works and to pay maximum attention to any objects sticking out (tubes, metal plates, etc.), and to any plates found in the pavement.

In addition, especially in the easily accessible works, pay maximum attention to the wells of the metal casemates or below ventilation shafts which open from the roofs. Often there will be some careless person (and not just children!) who enjoys dropping stones, even large ones, through the external openings.

The conditions indicated are valid for the date in parentheses. In the meantime conditions may have worsened.

Center 19 (24/06/1999)
At this date the roof of the works was exceptionally accessible. Usually it is submerged.
The internal conditions of the works when the lake's water is low are not known, but it is reasonable to assume that there will be mud and puddles.
In any case it is advisable to be careful.

Center 20 (09/10/1999)
The internal conditions are generally good.
In any case, it is necessary to be careful in the following situations:

• in the pavement of the entrance corridor there is an uncovered ditch which occupies almost the entire passage;
• in the living quarters and in the corridor which leads to them the plaster is falling off;
• in the pavement of the power supply group there is an open pit.

Center 21 (12/09/1999)
The internal conditions are generally good, except for the filth.
In any case, it is necessary to be careful in the following situations:

• some chambers are full of various kinds of refuse (especially the path underneath the concrete casemate);
• in the pavement of the power supply group there is an open pit;
• in the climb to the casemates of the south block there is risk of falling;
• in the pavement of the lower entrance corridor there is an uncovered ditch which occupies almost the entire passage;
• inside the metal casemates there is the possibility of getting hit on the head by stones dropped in through the embrasures.

Post 29 (24/06/1999)
The internal conditions are generally good.

Battery B3 (09/10/1999)
The internal conditions are extremely critical:

• THE ARCH OF THE CHAMBERS BETWEEN THE SECOND THE THIRD CASEMATE HAS COLLAPSED. The collapse has involved all of the earth above it for a thickness of at least 10 meters and has caused the crater which can be seen near the upper entrance.
• In various parts of the ceiling there are cracks and large blocks of loose cement.
• In some of the walls of the corridors there are very large cracks.
WHOEVER DECIDES TO ENTER THESE WORKS DOES SO AT HIS OR HER OWN RISK!