Visit the Great War Museum of Cavallino Treporti
How about spending a few hours immersed in the historical and cultural heritage of Cavallino Treporti?
Along our coastline, you can find approximately 200 well-preserved military fortifications, including batteries, telemetric towers, powder magazines, barracks, bunkers, and shelters, capable of taking you back in time and delving into the theme of the Great War. Among them is Batteria Vettor Pisani and its museum, which is a must-visit during your stay in Cavallino Treporti.
batteria pisani
Built between 1909 and 1912, shortly before the outbreak of the Great War, Batteria Pisani is part of the coastal defense system established during those years along the Cavallino Treporti shoreline to protect Venice from naval attacks.
The fortification takes its name from the Venetian supreme commander Vettor Pisani, who in June 1380 defeated the Genoese fleet led by Pietro Doria during the War of Chioggia. Located just a few meters from the sea, it was once protected by a massive sand and clay dune, which served to conceal it from the view of enemy ships and shield it from potential cannon fire.
The military structure, made of reinforced concrete, was equipped with six 280 L/9 howitzers, which were later replaced by four 76/40 anti-aircraft guns, better suited for penetrating the armored decks of modern Austro-Hungarian warships.
During the Great War, Batteria Pisani was manned by the First Fortress Artillery Regiment of the 5th Company of the Permanent Army. In the course of the Second World War, it housed an anti-aircraft artillery position, and after being decommissioned, it was occupied by civilians until the last decades of the 20th century.
THE GREAT WAR MUSEUM
After a series of restoration works that began in 2004, Batteria Pisani opened its doors to the public as the Great War Museum in July 2017. Thanks to the new dedicated spaces, it now serves as an incubator for exhibitions, events, and a study center, showcasing the First World War and the territory of Cavallino Treporti.
The restoration of the former military building represents not only the preservation of cultural heritage but also the centerpiece of the historical itinerary known as “Via dei Forti“, a project that connects the numerous fortifications of Cavallino Treporti and aims to enhance the history of the region related to the Great War.
For information on opening hours, current exhibitions, and tickets, please visit the official website: www.viadeiforti.it
