TRAVEL: A Hidden Gem in the Swiss Alps – The Sasso da Pigna Fort

A Swiss National Treasure

For most people, it’s common knowledge that Switzerland was not involved in World War II, a factor which largely spared the country and its population from the brutal consequences of the Nazi invasion in the rest of Europe. And why Switzerland, spared from the horrors endured by its neighbors, had a head start to eventually become one of the world’s most prosperous countries.

The Redoubt Plan

But the fact is that things could have turned out very differently, had it not been for the wisdom and forethought of a small group of Swiss military leaders. They had long known that Switzerland’s army would be too ill-equipped to defend the country in the event of an invasion by its fascist neighbors. The catastrophic defeat of the French army in June, 1940, was vivid proof of that. Switzerland now found itself geographically trapped between the Axis powers of the German Reich and fascist Italy. A national redoubt plan had to be put in place as soon as possible.

The Sasso da Pigna Fort

The end result, which took four years to complete, was one of the world’s most amazing underground fortresses, commonly known as the Sasso da Pigna fort. Its entrance appeared almost insignificant, at first glance something which resembled a garage door built into a cliff face.

Inside, connected by a network of tunnels which stretches for almost two miles, the fortress was highly self-sufficient. It had enough supplies of water, food, munitions, and fuel to survive being cut off from the outside world for months. The garrison consisted of gunners, infantry, soldiers to guard the installations, communications personnel, as well as back room and medical staff. Altogether, there was accommodation for about 420 men. The infirmary, with its own small operating theatre and laboratory, was equipped to handle almost ninety sick or wounded soldiers.

A National Monument

Even after the end of the Second World War, the Fortress remained active, largely as a precaution due to the Cold War tensions between the West and the Soviet Union. It remained in a state of combat readiness, almost unchanged, until 1998. It wasn’t until 2001 that the veil of secrecy which had shrouded Sasso da Pigna was finally lifted and the fortress became a monument of national importance. And, for the first time, open to visitors from the outside world.

A Guided Tour

When I first visited the fort a few weeks ago as part of a guided walking tour, it soon became apparent how incredibly complex-not to mention challenging- it must have been to construct it in the first place.

A dummy representing the hundreds of workers who drilled the fortress’ tunnels. Image by the Author.

One of the bunker cannons. Each gun had been programmed to fire to a certain height and distance before its projectile exploded.

Ship’s generators were used to provide electricity throughout the complex. Image by the Author.

One of the underground sleeping areas for the garrison’s soldiers. Each unit was sealed off to protect its occupants from poisonous gases fired by a potential enemy. Image by the Author.

Included in this guided tour were images of various parts of the fortress, including the entrance, tunnels, and sleeping areas, giving visitors a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who once called this fortress home.

Conclusion

This fortress, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a testament to the military ingenuity and strategic thinking of the Swiss during a time of great uncertainty and danger. Its construction is a remarkable achievement, demonstrated by the sheer scale and complexity of the fortress, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in military history or architecture.

FAQs

Q: When was the Sasso da Pigna fort constructed?
A: The Sasso da Pigna fort was constructed over a period of four years, from 1941 to 1945.

Q: How long did it take to complete the fortress?
A: It took four years to complete the fortress.

Q: How many men could the fortress accommodate?
A: The fortress could accommodate about 420 men.

Q: What was the purpose of the fortress?
A: The purpose of the fortress was to provide a safe and secure location for the Swiss military to continue fighting if the country was invaded.

Q: Is the Sasso da Pigna fort open to visitors?
A: Yes, the Sasso da Pigna fort is open to visitors and can be visited as part of a guided tour.