Fort at Predil Lake (Seebachthalsperre) was built in 1885‒1887. Because of the fear that the Italians could bypass Fort Hensel in Malborghetto/Naborjet and attack from the direction of Chiusaforte (Kluže, Klausen) across the saddle of Sella Nevea, the Austrians built the Predil Fort to defend the route to Tarvisio and secure the back of Fort Kluže. It consisted of two parts. In addition to the fort by the lake, an auxiliary fortification building was set up in the gorge across the road, which was connected to the lower fort by means of a tunnel.
As artillery had made such a progress by the beginning of World War I that the fort, despite its modernization, could not be successfully defended against gun shells, it was emptied and the guns were transferred to the surrounding hills. Only the auxiliary fortification building across the road, which was safe due to its position in the gorge, remained fully furnished. Unaware that the fort by the lake had been emptied, the Italians began shelling it towards the end of May 1915 and eventually severely damaged it. What was left of it was demolished by the Italians after the war, so that today there is but little to be seen of the fort. The auxiliary building across the road has remained intact.
From the A23 motorway, take the Tarvisio/Trbiž/Tarvis exit, then follow the signposts for Cave del Predil/Rabelj/Raibl along the SS54 state road. After Cave del Predil, continue along the provincial road SP76 to the lake. At the junction, turn right towards Sella Nevea, where you will find the Fort by the lake.
Tarvisio Infopoint
Via Roma, 14
I–33018 Tarvisio (UD)
+39 0428 2135
info.tarvisio@promoturismo.fvg.it
www.turismofvg.it
