Bellum Aquilarum
Museum | Sexten | Trentino-Alto Adige | Italy
The open-air museum Bellum Aquilarum in Sexten, South Tyrol, is dedicated to the First World War and offers a unique insight into mountain warfare in the Dolomites. It is located on the Anderter Alpe, at an altitude of about 2,150 meters above sea level, and can be reached via a 45-minute hiking trail from the mountain station of the Rotwandbahn.
History and significance:
During the First World War, Sexten was a strategically important location on the frontline between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy. Soldiers fought under extreme conditions in the mountains, resulting in numerous casualties and a unique style of warfare. The museum was founded by the association of the same name to preserve the memory of these events and document the history of mountain warfare.
Exhibitions and collections:
Open-air museum: Remnants of camps, positions, trenches, and galleries from the First World War have been preserved on the Anderter Alpe. Information boards along the hiking trail provide information about the history and significance of these relics.
Central exhibition: In the village center of Sexten, there is an exhibition titled "Not forgotten. The First World War in the Sextner Dolomites 1915-1918". This exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of the events and the life of soldiers during the war.
Educational offerings:
The association Bellum Aquilarum organizes guided tours to the open-air museum during the summer months, providing a deeper insight into the history of mountain warfare. These tours are available in German and Italian and take place in good weather conditions.
The open-air museum Bellum Aquilarum is a significant site of remembrance and education, offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about the history of the First World War in the Dolomites and experience the challenges of mountain warfare up close.
