Bunkers (Ita: Opera) XV and XIV are located at the right flank of the anti-tank wall of the Pian dei Morti barrier, which was part of the Italian Alpine Wall constructed between 1930 and 1942 on the orders of Benito Mussolini.
Both bunkers are single MG-stands constructed according to the directives of circular 450 of 1938. Made of concrete, they were designed to provide protection against small-calibre artillery fire. Prior to the firing chamber they both have a small section that provided room for storage or sleeping bunks.
The bunker facilities were never equipped with armament or technical installations.
Bunker XV
Bunker XV is placed slightly further outward from the anti-tank ditch so it can direct its flanking fire across the plain in front of the barrier. It can be accessed through a short corridor.
Bunker XIV
Slightly more elevated and further inward from the anti-tank ditch is bunker XIV. The single MG-stand is fairly identical to bunker XV, although its access is via an open trench built from large masonry stones that leads into a small tunnel. The storage or sleeping quarters before the firing chamber shows some remnants of a support system.
Left of the bunker is a barracks building for troop accommodation. It is only accessible from the outside, and not connected to the bunker.
Visit
You can visit these bunkers at the Pian dei Morti barrier in the upper Venosta Valley, in Alto Adige (South Tyrol), right on the border between Italy and Austria. Although some mountain roads lead up the mountain from Lake Resia, you will have to change into your walking shoes or jump on a mountain bike at some point to reach them.
Make sure you bring sturdy shoes and some hiking gear, because the weather in the Alps can be ruthless. And don’t wear shorts, the nettles are ruthless too.
