Trascrizione
This intersection is a fundamental junction of the complex, it connects the advanced fortifications, the armored domes and the main building. Climb the stairs in front of you. There you will find the first of the three howitzers of the fort, while the remaining two are positioned along the corridor to your right.
The 10cm Howitzer was the main artillery of the Austro-Hungarian mountain forts. It was a curved shot artillery piece capable of firing up to a range of 8 km; although relatively modest in caliber, it was easy to handle and considerable reserves of ammunition were relatively easy to maintain. The 10cm Howitzer was mainly used against enemy infantry, while the bombing of opposing fortresses was entrusted to larger-caliber, mobile artillery.
The howitzers rested on rotating platforms, and their battery was protected by three armored steel domes capable of rotating a full 360 °. Since the gunner’s line of sight was blocked by the steel domes, they received directions by telephone from outside observers, who guided their aim to the target.
They neither see nor know the target. They hear only the screaming of the observers; they start to shoot and shortly after they hear the explosions of the bullets. The turret is filled with smoke, new figures, new blows and the flashing of the flame on the mouth of the piece. Each order is executed with lightning speed. Perhaps the next blow will bring liberation. We must keep shooting! It is about life or death. As long as we can fight back, nothing is lost.
After you exit the dome, take the tunnel on your right if you intend to take the longer route and visit Blockhouse #2, where the "counter-shoe hood" is located: a protruding work that protected the long external moat dug to stop the soldiers who had managed to climb the slope. Otherwise, continue to the left to visit the other domes along a shorter route.