The Cadorna Line , officially the Northern Frontier , ( Italian : Frontiera Nord ) was the Italian defensive system on the northern border facing Switzerland, designed and built between 1899 and 1918. Its purpose was to protect the Po Valley and its main industrial centres from an attack by France, Germany or Austria-Hungary violating Swiss neutrality.
164-958: In 1862, shortly after the birth of the Kingdom of Italy , the Army General Staff first considered the need to fortify its borders with Switzerland to prevent an invasion through the Alpine passes - the Great St Bernard , the Simplon , the Gotthard , the Spluga, the Maloja , the Bernina , the Stelvio and the Tonale . A plan was developed to build a series of forts and batteries linking
328-625: A 46- hectare concession from China in Tianjin (see Italian concession in Tianjin ). These foreign colonies and lands came under Italian control at different times and remained so over different periods. The Kingdom of Italy was a constitutional monarchy . Executive power belonged to the monarch , who governed through appointed ministers . The legislative branch was a bicameral Parliament comprising an appointive Senate and an elective Chamber of Deputies . The kingdom maintained as its constitution
492-552: A battle until World War II . The steel and cement line, later regarded by the historians as the Italian Maginot Line , is now become a peaceful and family friendly trail of the Cinque Vette Park, indicated by its name: the "Sentiero di Pace", literally "Trail of Peace". Both Protezione Civile di Cuasso al Monte and Comune di Marzio have worked to preserve the historical heritage linked to the park area: one by restoring
656-412: A burden on finances or a change in territory required the approval of the chambers to be effective. The king appointed to all state offices, sanctioned and promulgated the laws, which as well as the government acts had to be countersigned by the responsible ministers, and issued the decrees and regulations necessary for the execution of the laws. Justice was administered in his name, and he alone had
820-399: A cafeteria, a small church, dorms and a hospital. The first fifty guests were from Milan, arriving on 14 July 1921, accompanied by a staff mostly made up of women who volunteered to look after them. In 1922, further donations provided the children with a garden, a cowshed, electricity, showers with running water, and a laundry service. Further works to extend the village took place in 1928, when
984-464: A cost of over 105m lire (about 150m euros today), requiring 40,000 men to build it. This complex of works was never used. The fortifications were garrisoned at the beginning of the war but abandoned after the defeat at Caporetto . The work was contracted out to several companies, including many from Varese , which worked so well that they also obtained orders for the fortifications in the Veneto region. By
1148-487: A crop failure caused by insects, and Italy became the largest wine exporter in Europe. After France's recovery in 1888, Italian wine exports collapsed, causing a wave of unemployment and bankruptcies. From the 1860s, Italy invested heavily in the development of railways , with its rail network more than tripling between 1861 and 1872, then doubling again by 1890. Gio. Ansaldo & C. from the former Kingdom of Sardinia provided
1312-516: A division deployed in Valle d'Aosta and 56 medium-caliber batteries. On January 16, 1917, the "Northern Frontier Advanced Occupation Command" ( Italian : Comando Occupazione Avanzata Frontiera Nord (OAFN)) was established in Varese, under the 5th Army, aimed at "surveilling local conditions and studying the concrete implementation of the plans developed"; these plans provided for the border defense plan, with
1476-574: A green area and make it available for touristic-sportive-cultural initiatives above 500 meters of altitude. The primary goal of the park is to encourage the discovery of the natural features of the north-eastern part of Varese , which offers panoramic view points and preserves historical aspects such as: the remains of the Cadorna Line ; the ruins of the Castle of Cuasso al Monte; the Artistic village of Boarezzo;
1640-521: A guest house. During the Middle Ages , due to its architecture and strategic position, it was considered to be a safe shelter for pilgrims. In 1511 the Swiss army penetrated the area, sacking and destroying the structure; immediately afterwards the monks rebuilt the abbey, adding two chapels on the side of the complex. Today the abbey is open for tourists and has two museums: The museum of Saint Gemolo's abbey and
1804-884: A leading member of the Axis Powers in 1940 and despite initial success, was defeated in North Africa and the Soviet Union . Allied landings in Sicily led to the fall of the Fascist regime and the new government surrendered to the Allies in September 1943. German forces occupied northern and central Italy, established the Italian Social Republic , and reappointed Mussolini as dictator. Consequentially, Italy descended into civil war , with
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#17330937150401968-514: A major cholera epidemic killed at least 55,000 people. Government action was blocked by strong political and economic opposition from the large landowners. Another commission of inquiry in 1910 found similar problems. Around 1890 there was also an overproduction crisis in the Italian wine industry , almost the only successful sector in agriculture. In the 1870s and 1880s, viticulture in France suffered from
2132-407: A majority of beech forest grows; its undergrowth includes Prenanthes purpurea, Sorrel, Asperula Odorata, Lilium Martagon, Cyclamen, Solomon's Seal, and Firefly Grass among the shrubs and herbaceous plants. The anthropogenic reforestation of conifers (Spruce, Scots pine, and Strobe Pine) are marginal: easier to find are the anthropogenic reforestations of Locust trees, which can be found especially along
2296-400: A minivan and then carried by hand to the top of the mount to build the base of the cross. Renovation operations were made in 1979 to commemorate the cross's 25th anniversary, and again in 2004 to mark the 50th anniversary. In 1979 the cross was covered in a particular variety of glass and in 2004 donkeys were used by the volunteers to carry the materials uphill. The Mount Piambello, located in
2460-606: A number of valleys, woods and streams. An alternative trek starts from Cavagnano (council of Cuasso al Monte) and takes approximately four hours, with an ascent of about 400 meters and 11 kilometers of walking. From Punta Paradiso there is a view from above of Lake Lugano. After leaving Punta Paradiso, the trek goes through the First World War trenches of the Cadorna Line, until reaching the Sasso Paradiso. Then, climbing up to
2624-410: A rare crustacean that stands out for its high naturalistic value and location. Lake Ghirla hosts rudd, tench, carp, perch, and pike. The following hiking trails are available in the park: This trek is a circular route accessible from Cuasso al Monte, Marzio and Valganna. The closest access is from Marzio, from which it takes about four hours to walk its 4.3 kilometers of length. The path intersects
2788-610: A result, Italy accepted the British invitation to join the Allied Powers during World War I , as the western powers promised territorial compensation (at the expense of Austria-Hungary) for participation that was more generous than Vienna's offer in exchange for Italian neutrality. Victory in the war gave Italy a permanent seat in the Council of the League of Nations , but it did not receive all
2952-698: A young chamois has been spotted in the area between Ghirla and Cunardo in 2005. Nests of the mute swan were found on the Lake Lugano and the Tresa shores. The mallard, moorhen and the sedentary and migrant coots, inhabitants of swamps and small lakes rich in vegetation like the Ganna Lake , the Ghirla Lake and the Laghetto Cicogna (Arcisate), are the most common volatiles in the province. There are rarer occurrences of
3116-513: Is a natural park , established by the Region of Lombardy on 19 June 2017. The park is located in the north-eastern part of the Province of Varese , in the Italian region of Lombardy. It takes the name from the main geographic features located in the park, the five mountain peaks. The project was launched with the aim of the three local councils of ( Cuasso al Monte , Marzio , and Valganna ) to preserve
3280-487: Is a circular route combining history, nature and sport. The almost 5 kilometers track is divided into 2 different routes, Happy High and Happy Low . Happy High starts from the highest point of the mountain, above the Cavagnano pond. It is the most difficult track of the two, with various technical points and jumps. This track is recommended for beginner riders to help them gain more confidence and speed while still enjoying
3444-491: Is a small lake of glacial origin and is surrounded by an environment rich in vegetation. The Ghirla Lake is located at 442 meters above sea level, is up to 14 meters deep and has as its only affluent the Margorabbia river. The Lake was the location of the first ice skating contest of Italy in 1914 and the winner was Giuseppe Peck. The area has been affected by climate change, and despite the nickname of “Siberia del Varesotto” ,
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#17330937150403608-546: Is determined by the influence caused by the mountain ranges belonging to the Alpine arc, and by the influence brought by the Lake Maggiore, located a few kilometers West. Several historic settlements have been identified in the park, some dated back to the prehistoric period. An old brewery, an example of the Liberty Architecture, is also located within the Cinque Vette Park. The area gained relevancy before and during
3772-432: Is located in an area characterized by high rainfall values, with strong variability in rainfall from one year to the next. From an analysis of the " isoiete" trend (closed curves that indicate areas affected by the same amount of precipitation), carried out between the years 1921 and 1972, a regular increase of the tendency of regional rainfall starting from the southernmost to the northernmost areas has been observed. This
3936-586: Is located within the park, precisely at 733 meters of altitude. The building dates back to the first half of the 1600s when the religious congregation of the Carmelitani Scalzi chose this place, called "desert", to build a convent. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Italian Red Cross of Milan turned the building into the headquarter of the Sanatorium Institute for lung diseases. In 1971 it
4100-491: Is mainly composed of limestone of sedimentary origin. The Mount Derta is 785 meters high and is situated in the eastern part of the council of Marzio. The main path to reach the summi starts from the end of Via Porto Ceresio (Marzio). It takes about one hour to get to the top of the mountain. The trenches of the Cadorna Line on the top of the Mount are still visible, although they are in poor condition. The path that passes through
4264-500: Is much easier if compared to Happy High. This mountain biking trail is suitable for every biker, and it is also ideal to get familiar with the pace and the skills required for mountain biking. The entry point of this trail is situated right behind the elementary schools of Cuasso al Monte. This 9 kilometer -trail starts from Monte Scerè and has and is steep for 532 meters. It is one of the most technical mountain bike trails due to its many difficult and technical curves. The second part of
4428-518: Is of geological interest due to the Peculiarity of Sass di Bol (m.a.s.l. 982 ), a large Monolith in red Porphyry (geology) . Steps carved in this huge boulder provide visitors access to reach the panoramic top. Mount Poncione di Ganna is shaped as a pyramid and is 993 meters high. It appears as a wild spur detached from the ridge line that goes from Mount Monarco to Mount Piambello, descending steeply to Alpe Tedesco, with steep walls that border
4592-501: Is possible to go down directly before Porto Ceresio and take the provincial road that runs along the lake, or another variant could be going up to Borgnana and end the biking tour in Cuasso al Piano where there are road variants to quickly return to Porto Ceresio. This trail takes its name from the Spanish delicacy, and it was added in 2018 for the first Enduro Cup Lombardy. The track starts at
4756-705: Is typical of the Northern Prealps. The most common plant is the Chestnut wood, dominant in the altimetric range between 450 and 700 meters. Mountain Maple, Field Maple, Ash, and occasionally Oak and White Hornbeam have also been observed in the area. The herbaceous flora of the chestnut undergrowth includes the anemone, the crocus, the primrose, the periwinkle, the liverwort and the lungwort. More rarely, cyclamen and narcissus have been identifies, especially on calcareous soils. In cooler and more humid areas, generally above 900 meters,
4920-502: The Risorgimento . That process was influenced by the Savoy -led Kingdom of Sardinia , which was one of Italy's legal predecessor states . In 1866, Italy declared war on Austria in alliance with Prussia and, upon its victory, received the region of Veneto . Italian troops entered Rome in 1870, ending more than one thousand years of Papal temporal power . In the last two decades of
5084-774: The First World War , because a line of forts, bunkers and trenches, originally named the Great North Frontier , was built through the park area. The building of the North Frontier began in 1862. It aimed at protecting the Italian Kingdom and especially the cities of Milan , Turin , Brescia , and Genoa (the port of Genoa, along with these other cities, was the main focal point for the Italian commerce and economy) from possible Swiss, German and Austrian invasions. The name of
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5248-536: The First World War . The creator was Luigi Vittorio Bertarelli. The costs and the land were given by donations of benefactors and members of the TCI. The latter fund-raised 1 million of old Italian liras to support the Italian army after the devastating defeat of at the Battle of Caporetto , which took place on 19 November 1917 near Caporetto , causing an enormous loss of lives. As a consequence, ₤70,000 in funds were used to create
5412-650: The Franco-Prussian War . To keep the large Prussian Army at bay, France abandoned its positions in Rome – which protected the remnants of the Papal States and Pius IX – to fight the Prussians. Italy benefited from Prussia's victory against France by taking over the Papal States from French authority. The Kingdom of Italy captured Rome after several battles and guerrilla-like warfare by Papal Zouaves and official troops of
5576-626: The Italian Co-belligerent Army and resistance movement contending with the Social Republic's forces and its German allies. Shortly after the surrender of all fascist forces in Italy , civil discontent prompted an institutional referendum , which established a republic and abolished the monarchy in 1946. The Kingdom of Italy covered and at times exceeded the land area of present-day Italy. The Kingdom gradually extended its area through
5740-578: The Italian unification until 1870. In 1919 it annexed Trieste and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol . The Triple Entente promised to grant to Italy – if the state joined the Allies in World War I – several regions, including former Austrian Littoral , western parts of former Duchy of Carniola , Northern Dalmatia and notably Zara , Šibenik and most of the Dalmatian islands (except Krk and Rab ), according to
5904-599: The Kingdom of Prussia in the Austro-Prussian War . In exchange, Prussia would allow Italy to annex Austria-controlled Veneto . King Emmanuel agreed to the alliance, and the Third Italian War of Independence began. Italy fared poorly in the war with a badly-organized military against Austria, but Prussia's victory allowed Italy to annex Veneto . At this point, one major obstacle to Italian unity remained: Rome. In July 1870, Prussia went to war with France, igniting
6068-584: The Lateran Treaties , which granted independence to the Vatican City . The following decade presided over an aggressive foreign policy , with Italy launching successful military operations against Ethiopia in 1935, Spain in 1937, and Albania in 1939. This led to economic sanctions, departure from the League of Nations , growing economic autarky , and the signing of military alliances with Germany and Japan . Fascist Italy entered World War II as
6232-542: The Ossola Valley, Lake Maggiore , Ceresio and Lake Como . Because of the costs involved, the plan was not implemented for a number of years. In 1871 a renewed effort was made to include the plan in Italy's defence budget. However, in 1882 the General Staff Committee declared its opposition to the idea, considering an Austrian violation of Swiss territory unlikely, and a German attack unrealistic. By this time
6396-564: The Statuto Albertino , the governing document of the Kingdom of Sardinia. In theory, ministers were responsible solely to the king. However, by this time, a king couldn't appoint a government of his choosing or keep it in office against the express will of Parliament. Members of the Chamber of Deputies were elected through a plurality voting system in single-member districts. A candidate needed
6560-838: The Triple Alliance had in any case neutralised these threats of invasion. Nonetheless, work on the projects resumed, and carried on haltingly until 1911, when the State Defense Office brought forward a scheme along the Bergamasque Alps and the Ticino salient. On April 18, 1911, the General Staff entrusted the work to the Milan Military Engineering Works Management, who began work on the Mera - Adda barrier with
6724-538: The area of Milan and thus on the heartland of Italian industrial production. Apart from a few border guards Italy had only eight battalions of the Territorial Militia on this frontier. This prompted the Italian government to restart the full-scale construction of the defensive line. Cadorna therefore decided to revive the 1882 plan, and ordered the building of an imposing fortified line from the Ossola Valley up to
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6888-623: The diurnal rapacious Biancone , whose nests are usually found in the area between Campo dei Fiori and the Ganna Valley. Autoctone fauna is preserved in a small lake in the fraction of Cavagnano, Cuasso al Monte (Laghetto di Cavagnano). The frosone, a finch that nests at a height of 200–600 meters, nests in the Lavena Ponte Tresa and Valganna area, like the Black Kite , whose nests are placed in isolated places. Groups of bats have been found in
7052-404: The pardon and mitigation of punishment. The first state coat of arms of the kingdom was adopted from Sardinia-Piedmont. It included the coat of arms of the House of Savoy in the middle and four Italian flags dating from 1848. On 4 May 1870, by royal decree, two lions in gold , which now carried the shield , a crowned knight's helmet, which bore the Military Order of Savoy , the Order of
7216-572: The state budget , though proceeding with great caution. The government secured the support of large companies and banks. Most criticism the project came from conservatives, with a majority of the public supporting the soundness of public finances. The state budget, which from 1900 had an annual income of around 50 million lire, was to be additionally strengthened by the nationalization of the railways. In March 1905, after serious labor unrest among railroad workers, Giolitti resigned due to illness, and suggested his fellow party member Alessandro Fortis to
7380-405: The telephone system was nationalized. The Fortis government remained in office until the beginning of 1906. It was followed from 8 February to 29 May by a brief government under Sidney Sonnino . Finally, Giolitti entered his third term. In this he dealt mainly with the economic situation in southern Italy, due both to long-term demographic and economic factors, as well as natural disasters such as
7544-450: The 1904 law for the development of Naples , prepared by economist and later prime minister Nitti. In 1898, in order to make the steel-industry completely independent from foreign coal imports, the Neapolitan engineer Ernesto Stassano invented the Stassano furnace , the first indirect-arc electric furnace . By 1917, Italian iron and steel plants operated 88 indirect-arc furnaces, manufactured by Stassano, Bassanese and Angelini. In 1899
7708-452: The 19th century, Italy developed into a colonial power , and in 1882 it entered into a Triple Alliance with the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire , following strong disagreements with France about their respective colonial expansions. Although relations with Berlin became very friendly, the alliance with Vienna remained purely formal, due in part to Italy's desire to acquire Trentino and Trieste from Austria-Hungary. As
7872-501: The 5th Army was dissolved as that of the OAFN was considered more than sufficient. In May 1918 Mambretti handed over command to General Novelli. On January 10, 1919, the OAFN was dissolved and the Cadorna Line was abandoned. In the thirties the Fascist regime began construction of the Alpine Wall and approved maintenance work on the Cadorna Line. The Cadorna Line was briefly the focus of attention in 1938, when Mussolini thought about invading Switzerland, perhaps to flex his muscles with
8036-618: The Alpe Croce and to Bocchetta Stivioni, the highest point of this trek is reached. The way back to Cavagnano goes through the village of Imborgnana (Cuasso al Monte) from where an old and narrow road leads to Cavagnano. On this trail a particular panoramic spot, Sasso Paradiso, offers a view on the Lugano Lake, Ticinesi and Comasche Prealps. This 14 kilometers long trail starts from the Laghetto di Cavagnano and takes about four hours to be completed, with approximately 450 meters of ascent. The trek passes through boulders and cliffs of red porphyry and has unpaved roads. After having walked this path,
8200-430: The Bergamesque Alps. It included roads, mule tracks, paths, trenches, artillery positions, observatories, field hospitals, command centers and logistics structures, all built at high altitudes from 600 to over 2,000 meters. The project plan provided for 72 km of trenches, 88 artillery positions (including 11 built in caves), 25,000 square meters of barracks, 296 kilometers of roads and 398 kilometers of mule tracks, at
8364-407: The Chamber of Deputies. The highest state administration was divided into the following ministries, with their headquarters in Rome: Due to the war, a number of other short-lived ministries were created during the First and Second World War . The Court of Auditors of the Kingdom had an independent status. The King of Italy was formally the holder of state power, but he could only exercise
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#17330937150408528-479: The Cinque Vette Park. The event is constituted of two paths, which both intersect within the park itself, making it one of the most panoramic trail in the Province of Varese. The Cuasso al Monte race is the second race of the Trail Prealpi Varesine Circuit. It is also possible to participate by walking, rather than competing as a runner. The 5 Vette trail (T5V) is 28.4 kilometers long with a 1550 D+. A shorter trail aimed at non-competitive participation also exists: it
8692-435: The Crown of Italy , the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the Order of the Annunciation around its collar, were added. The motto FERT was deleted. The lions carried lances that held the national flag. From the helmet fell a royal cloak, which was supposed to protect the nation. Above the coat of arms was the star of Italy (Italian Stella d’Italia ). The newly adopted national coat of arms of 1 January 1890 removed
8856-413: The Cuasso Hospital as a facility intended to accommodate COVID-19 patients from all over the region who are recovering from the acute phase of the disease, or who require further monitoring. The facility was set up in two weeks and it was totally converted by its technical office. The five main Peaks range from 785 meters (Mount Derta), to 1159 meters ( Mount Piambello ). Mount Piambello is situated in
9020-422: The Fascist Party an absolute majority of the Chamber seats. Between 1925 and 1943, Italy was a quasi- de jure Fascist dictatorship, as the constitution formally remained in effect without alteration while the monarchy formally accepted Fascist policies and institutions. In 1928 the Grand Council of Fascism took control of government administration, and in 1939 the Chamber of Fasces and Corporations replaced
9184-402: The First World War forts of the Cadorna Line, the other by creating an information point to educate the public on all the forts built. The info point of the path "La linea Cadorna - Sentiero della Pace" is located in the council of Marzio. The castle dates back to the High middle age and was built in a strategic spot from which it was possible to control the entire area. It was also pivotal in
9348-410: The Germans who had recently annexed Austria. The "Camicie Nere Como" battalion was sent to the border, but the order was revoked and the invasion abandoned. The only war action on the line was on November 13, 1943, when the first battle of the resistance took place in the bunkers of San Martino in Valcuvia, when fascist government forces defeated a group of partisans led by Colonel Carlo Croce . After
9512-423: The Ghirla Lake area are situated the Valganna Caves, of karst origin, and the Birra Poretti factory. Lake Ganna takes the name from the valley it sits in, Valganna, and is situated 452 meters above sea level in a wooded area. It has environmental significance due to the presence of small animals and plants that originally colonized the area during the last ice age and now constitute rare species, preserved due to
9676-400: The Gotthard tunnel 90% of miners came from northern Italy, while at the Lötschberg tunnel 97% were Italian, chiefly from the south. In addition to the now completed nationalization of the railways, the planned nationalization of insurance was tackled and thetrade war with France, which had lasted since 1887, ended. Giolitti thereby interrupted Crispi's pro-German foreign policy and thus enabled
9840-401: The Granfondo " Tre Valli Varesine Off-Road " event. It has an estimated travel time of about 3 hours to cover its 29,2 km of length. The itinerary starts from the parking in front of the lake in Porto Ceresio , heading hinterland towards Cuasso al Piano, then it continues on to the hamlet of Roncaccio until it reaches a steep ascent towards the village of Pogliana. The route then continues in
10004-411: The Holy See against the Italian invaders. Italy's unification was completed and its capital moved to Rome. Victor Emmanuel, Garibaldi, Cavour, and Mazzini are remembered as Italy's Four Fathers of the Fatherland . Garibaldi was elected in 1871 in his home city of Nice to the French National Assembly , where he tried to promote the cession of the city from France to the newborn Italian unitary state. He
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#173309371504010168-444: The Italian republican drive for unification in Southern Italy. However, the Northern Italy monarchy of the House of Savoy in the Kingdom of Sardinia , whose government was led by Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour , also had ambitions of establishing a united Italian state. In the context of the 1848 liberal revolutions that swept through Europe, an unsuccessful First Italian War of Independence , led by King Charles Albert of Sardinia ,
10332-455: The Kingdom of Italy was the result of efforts by Italian nationalists and monarchists loyal to the House of Savoy to establish a united kingdom encompassing the entire Italian Peninsula . Following the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the political and social Italian unification movement, or Risorgimento , emerged to unite Italy consolidating the different states of the peninsula and liberate it from foreign control. A prominent radical figure
10496-428: The Kingdom of Sardinia ceded Savoy and Nice to France, an event that caused the Niçard exodus , that was the emigration of a quarter of the Niçard Italians to Italy. In 1860–1861, Garibaldi led the drive for unification in Naples and Sicily (the Expedition of the Thousand ), while the House of Savoy troops occupied the central territories of the Italian peninsula, except Rome and part of Papal States . Teano
10660-462: The Luino-Ponte Tresa line. This stretch of the Cadorna Line passes through the Cinque Vette Park . Ceresio-Lario : ( Viggiù to Menaggio ) The importance of this area was such that all plans had, as their first objective, the occupation of the entire Mendrisio District of Switzerland up to Capolago . For this reason it was decided to concentrate fire on the Melide dam-bridge, the only means of connection with Lugano . This action would have allowed
10824-506: The Napoleonic precedent, so their harmonization was relatively straightforward. The next challenge was to develop a parliamentary legislative system. Cavour and most liberals up and down the peninsula highly admired the British system , which became the model for Italy. Harmonizing the Navy ( Regia Marina ) and the Royal Italian Army was much more complex, chiefly because the systems of recruiting soldiers and selecting and promoting officers were so different and grandfathered exceptions to
10988-464: The Royal Decree of 17 July 1861 which specified the exchange of pre-unification coins into lire and the fact that local coins continued to be legal tender in their respective provinces of origin. In the entire period from 1861 to 1940, Italy experienced considerable economic growth despite several economic crises and the First World War. Unlike most modern nations, where industrialization was undertaken by large corporations , industrial growth in Italy
11152-423: The Saint Gemolo Abbey; the Alpine Village of Mount Piambello; and, the Hospital of Cuasso Al Monte. The Cinque Vette Park is situated within the domain of the Varese Prealps , the western section of the Lugano Prealps . It covers an area of 14 kilometers squared and it comprises the councils ( comuni ) of Cuasso al Monte, Marzio, and Valganna, all located within the Province of Varese. Approximately 85% of
11316-410: The Sardinian government to declare a united Italian kingdom on 17 March 1861. Victor Emmanuel II , since March 1849 King of Sardinia, then became the first king of a united Italy, and the capital was moved from Turin to Florence. The title of "King of Italy" had been out of use since the abdication of Napoleon I of France on 6 April 1814. Following the unification of most of Italy, tensions between
11480-571: The Second World War the works were completely abandoned, and were mostly neglected. Because of the excellent quality of their construction, many of Cadorna Line trenches and structures remain in good physical condition. The trenches of Ornavasso , Cassano Valcuvia and Monte Marzio in the province of Varese are particularly in good condition. In the province of Como the following structures have been restored and can be visited: Kingdom of Italy The Kingdom of Italy ( Italian : Regno d'Italia , Italian: [ˈreɲɲo diˈtaːlja] )
11644-463: The Torrente Cavallizza is reached. The trek continues among chestnuts and beech woods until reaching the road, which links Bisuschio to Alpe Tedesco; from this point starts the way up to Mount Poncione. The summit gives a view of the Valceresio and the Valganna. This Trek takes about 3 hours and a half to be completed, it is a round tour with 350 meters ascent. The route starts from the Laghetto di Cavagnano (Cuasso al Monte). This trek does not lead to
11808-636: The Valceresio (Ceresio Valley); the Lugano Lake; Mount Minisfreddo; Mount San Giorgio ; Mount Generoso ; Mount Rosa ; the Lepontine Alps and the Retiche Alps. Mount Val de'Corni is a wide undulating ridge with the highest point at 993 meters and has a prominence of 45 meters. Although it is squeezed between Mount Poncione and Mount Piambello, this mountain has several points of interest, especially for
11972-556: The Valganna caves, in the Orrido di Cunardo and on the Mount Pravello . Some of the amphibians common toad , common frog, latest frog, green frog, dalmatian frog and fire salamander Italian tree frog and the dotted newt have been found in the area. Lake Ganna is home to roach, rudd, perch, tench and catfish. Pike inhabits both the pond and the waterways connected to it. The native crayfish is
12136-526: The Valganna valley. In the north-eastern part, steep woods descend towards Alpe Tedesco, whereas on the southern side a gentle crest connects it to the slightly higher Mount Minisfreddo. From the top of Mount Poncione the view includes: the Valganna (Ganna Valley); the Ganna and Ghirla lakes; Campo dei Fiori di Varese ; the lakes of the Varesotto ( Lake Varese ; Lago di Monate and Lago di Comabbio ); Mount Martica ;
12300-499: The aim of establishing a base of heavy industry. In the 1880s industrialisation moved into high gear, which lasted until 1912/13 and reached its peak under Giolitti . Industrial plants soon clustered around areas of hydropower energy. Between 1887 and 1911 hydroelectricity became the main source of energy, with over sixty plants constructed. From 1881 to 1887, Italy's textile, mechanical, steel, iron, and chemical industries grew by an average 4.6 percent annually. The backbone of
12464-405: The area. Boarezzo, frazione of Valganna, is an artistic village located within the Cinque Vette Park. This small mountain village is surrounded by vegetation, extensive views and noted for its tranquility. Boarezzo had been a popular tourist destination since the early twentieth century, but had declined as visits decreased and farming activity was progressively abandoned. At the initiative of
12628-514: The attraction of this trek, the Sass Boll observatory, in proximity of the summit of Mount Piambello. From the summit, a walking path returns to the starting point. The route starts from the Hospital of Cuasso al Monte and takes about two hours to be completed. It is 8 kilometers long and 250 meters ascent. The first path leads to Bocchetta dei Frati, then descends to the village of Marzio. From here,
12792-621: The automobile industry commenced when Giovanni Agnelli bought the designs and patents of the Ceirano brothers and founded the Fiat automobile works. In 1906 another automobile factory was built in the Portello district of Milan for the French entrepreneur Alexandre Darracq and the headquarters of his Italian branch Società Anonima Italiana Darracq . In 1910, the company brought the first successful model onto
12956-510: The banks of rivers and Lake Lugano. On the sides of Mount Piambello heather grows densely, as do berry bushes on the road that links Ghirla to Badero Valcuvia and Mondonico. Some of the mammals that commonly populate the Piambello territory are foxes, moles, squirrels, badgers, wild boars, hedgehogs. In 2012 the Province of Varese also confirmed the presence of a few isolated specimens of deer and
13120-674: The capture of Rome in 1870 from French forces of Napoleon III , Papal troops, and Zouaves , relations between Italy and the Vatican remained sour for the next sixty years, with the Popes declaring themselves to be prisoners in the Vatican . The Catholic Church in Italy frequently protested the anti-clerical actions of the secular Italian governments, refused to meet with envoys from the King, and urged Roman Catholics not to vote in Italian elections. Not until 1929
13284-415: The challenges of bureaucratic coordination. Italy has a long history of different coinage types . Italian unification highlighted the confusion of the pre-unification Italian monetary system which was mostly based on silver monometallism and therefore in contrast with the gold monometallism in force in the Kingdom of Sardinia and in the major European nations. To reconcile the various monetary systems it
13448-411: The commander of the 5th Army from Varese, Lt. Gen. it:Ettore Mambretti who had the task of protecting the left flank of the Italian defensive front. Due to the lack of troops, which were almost entirely employed at the front, the posts and barriers were built in more rearward positions, in order to exploit the terrain. The 5th Army would have 4 Army Corps, (each of two divisions), two Cavalry Divisions,
13612-593: The completion of the Simplon Tunnel in 1906. Shortly after the railway began its triumphal march through Switzerland , each region wanted its own north-south connection and with the construction of the railway tunnels on the Gotthard 14,998 km (1872–1880), Simplon 19,803 km (1898–1906) and Lötschberg 14,612 km (1907–1913), three major Alpine crossings were realized that were important for Switzerland and neighboring European countries. The workforce of these monumental projects were largely Italians: at
13776-512: The construction of Fort Montecchio-Lusardi . Work continued intermittently until the outbreak of the Great War and was completed urgently when hostilities began. In September 1915, shortly after Italy entered the First World War. General it:Carlo Porro warned Chief of Staff Luigi Cadorna that an invasion of Lombardy by the Central Powers , through neutral Switzerland, could lead to an attack on
13940-565: The construction of the new Italian ocean liner SS Rex , which set a transatlantic sea voyage record of four days in 1933, and the development of the seaplane Macchi-Castoldi M.C.72 , which was the world's fastest seaplane in 1933. In 1933, Italo Balbo completed a flight across the Atlantic in a seaplane to the World's Fair in Chicago . The flight symbolized the power of the Fascist leadership and
14104-515: The declaration of war on Germany, Italy had completed the work, and created a special Command for them. The Italian-Swiss border was divided into 6 sectors: Val d’Aosta : The nineteenth-century Fort Bard was integrated with some positions in the Etroubles basin in order to prevent the passage from the Great St Bernard Pass, but the small likelihood of enemy maneuver in the sector limited
14268-428: The descent to Porto Ceresio on a good sliding path which leads to find again the asphalt before reaching the hamlet of Borgnana, underneath the city of Cuasso Al Monte. Finally, for the return to Porto Ceresio, there are several options: one goes up towards Borgnana, heading to the provincial road of Porto Ceresio, a few hundred meters from the starting point; alternatively, once finished the path previously described, it
14432-531: The direction of Alpe Tedesco along a forest road which is characterized by patchy downhills. The track then goes towards the Alpe Tedesco, skimming the slopes of the Poncione di Ganna, and descends in the direction of the Cuasso al Monte hospital, where there are some short ups and downs during the loss of altitude. Once reached the crossroads of the hospital, the track keeps on to the area of Imborgnana until it reaches
14596-421: The disadvantaged regions of the south followed. However, their implementation mostly failed due to the resistance of the large landowners. Nevertheless, there was a significant improvement in the economic situation of smallholders . In 1911, 55.4% of the Italian population worked in agriculture and 26.9% in industry . Strong social tensions came to light, Italy's social legislation took last place in Europe,
14760-452: The east. Mount Marzio is 878 meters high and on its moraine ridge sits the little Council of Marzio. From the top of the mountain, it is possible to see Switzerland and Lake Lugano. The summit is accessible from two points of the village, the first one is immediately after the Madonna degli Alpini monument, the other is situated after Via Bolchini. It takes about one hour to get to the top of
14924-546: The easy occupation of Monte Generoso to protect and support the strategic point of the entire sector, the Sighignola . From Porlezza to Menaggio , the massive mountain range south of the valley offered a sufficient natural barrier. S.Lucio-S.Jorio : The occupation of the border barracks was only planned in the event of an offensive. Mera-Adda : This sector used the Orobie Alps as a final defensive line. The Colico barrage
15088-606: The end of World War II colonies, protectorates, military occupations and puppet states beyond its borders. These included Eritrea , Italian Somaliland , Libya , Ethiopia (annexed by Italy from 1936 to 1941), Albania (an italian protectorate since 1939), British Somaliland , part of Greece , Corsica, southern France with Monaco , Tunisia , Kosovo and Montenegro (all territories occupied in World War II) Croatia (Italian and German client state in World War II), and
15252-478: The eruption of Vesuvius in 1906 and the earthquake in Messina , Calabria , and Palmi in 1908. Entire villages were depopulated and centuries-old regional cultures disappeared. Nevertheless, there was a slight economic upswing in the south afterwards. The government, which had initially discouraged emigration to avoid labor shortages , now gave its approval to the emigration of hundreds of thousands of Italians from
15416-582: The evolution of the Alpine Chain , which today appears as one complex structure with recognizable framed polyphasic tectonics deformations in the Plate tectonics model. The area of Mount Piambello is characterized by the presence of silicate rocks that originated about 290 million years ago from the multiple volcanic eruptions that took place in this area. In Valganna there are also deposits of travertine rock, locally called "Travertino della Valganna". The park
15580-512: The export of fruit, vegetables and wine to France. He also boosted the cultivation of sugar beets and their processing in the Po Valley and encouraged heavy industry to gain a foothold in the south as well. However, the latter was not very successful. In 1908, some laws limiting working hours for women and children up to 12 hours were passed with the support of the Socialist MPs. Special laws for
15744-580: The first Italian built locomotives with the FS Class 113 and the later FS Class 650 . The first railway section on the island of Sicily was inaugurated on 28 April 1863 with the Palermo – Bagheria line. By 1914 the Italian railway had around 17,000 km of railways. During the Fascist dictatorship, enormous sums were invested in new technological achievements, especially in military technology. But large sums of money were also spent on prestige projects such as
15908-634: The fortification derives from the army general Luigi Cadorna , who supported the need and followed its construction during World War I. The main purpose of the Great North Frontier was defending the Italian territories from the attack of the Austrians, who had been in conflict with the northern Italian populations before, as in the Battle of Magenta . It involved a labor force of 40 thousand workers and hundreds of millions of old Italian Lira . None of these forts and war facilities were actually involved in
16072-556: The fur coat and the lances and the crown on the helmet was replaced by the Iron Crown of the Lombards . The whole group stood under a canopy , crowned with the Italian royal crown, above which was the banner of Italy. The flagpole was carried by a golden crowned eagle . On 11 April 1929, Mussolini replaced the two Savoy lions with lictor's bundles . Only after his dismissal in 1944 was the old coat of arms from 1890 restored. The birth of
16236-518: The general system persisted for decades. The disorganization helps explain the dismal performance of the Italian navy in the 1866 war . Uniformizing the diverse education systems also proved complicated. Shortly before his death, Cavour appointed Francesco De Sanctis as minister of education, an eminent scholar from the University of Naples who proved an able and patient administrator. The addition of Veneto in 1866 and Rome in 1870 further complicated
16400-521: The heart of the park area, south of the small town of Marzio. This mountain is composed of volcanic rocks and, standing 1159 meters above sea level, dominates the Valceresio, Valganna and Valmarchirolo. From its summit there is a view of the Italian and Swiss Alps , up to the Monte Viso . It is characterized by an extremely varied landscape, in which wide valleys shaped by glaciers alternate with soft pre-alpine hills and numerous waterways. This mountain
16564-430: The height of Alpe del Tedesco and descends to Cuasso al Piano, with a length of almost 6 kilometers and a descent of 700 meters. The black diamond single track trail of Patanegra can only be biked downhill, and it takes on average 12 minutes to be completed. This track is 2 kilometers long and climbs about 400 meters. It passes Lake Lugano and offers views of the First World War trenches. This mountain biking trail
16728-533: The highest point of the path at the Bocchetta dei Frati . The path continues downhill to the small town of Marzio towards Mount Derta and avoiding the deviation that goes up to the right for the Bocchetta Stivione, it continues straight on reaching Alpe Croce, then by taking a short variant it is possible to reach the panoramic viewpoint of Sasso Paradiso . Then the trail goes back to the main track where it starts
16892-527: The industrial and technological progress the state had made under the Fascists. During the 1860s and 1870s, Italian manufacturing was backward and small-scale, while the oversized agrarian sector was the backbone of the national economy. The country lacked large coal and iron deposits. In the 1880s, a severe farm crisis led to the introduction of more modern farming techniques in the Po Valley , while from 1878 to 1887 protectionist policies were introduced with
17056-805: The industrial boom was, next to the labor force, institutions of higher learning such as the Politecnico founded in Milan in 1863 by Francesco Brioschi and the Technical School for Engineers in Turin established four years earlier. Steelworks were established with state and private capital, notably from the Credito Mobiliare : in 1884 in Terni and in 1897 in Piombino using iron-ore from Elba . The relative backwardness of
17220-409: The infantryman to exit in the event of a counterattack. There were also numerous machine gun positions underground. The gun batteries in the trenches were of three types: barbettes (outdoor and semi-raised positions protected by a wall), protected concrete bunkers, and caves where large-calibre artillery were housed, with magazines and barracks for the garrison. The fortified system was entrusted to
17384-506: The king as his successor. On 28 March Victor Emmanuel III appointed Fortis as the new prime minister, making him the first Jewish head of government worldwide. With Law 137 of 22 April 1905 he sanctioned the nationalization of the railways through a public recruitment process under the control of the Court of Audit and the supervision of the Ministries of Public Works and Finance. At the same time,
17548-500: The largely improvised structures of the Western Front . The Cadorna Line trenches were designed in great detail, and equipped with parapets, loopholes and shelters. Due to the scarcity of soldiers, the barrages were built along a rearward line that exploited the terrain following the ridges and depressions along the border. The military doctrine of the time still relied on the impact of massed troops rather than on new technologies. Thus
17712-477: The line was built mainly with concrete front-line trenches, accompanied by platforms and niches as vantage points for shooting. The entrenchments were a succession of broken lines, often with sharp angles to ensure the greatest possible protection against the explosion of grenades, and at regular intervals they presented "bell" niches for the shelter of sentries in case of bad weather. Numerous tracts of trenches were equipped with small reductions, and ladders to allow
17876-464: The major party, but were unable to form a government in a parliament split among the three factions of Socialists, Christian populists , and classical liberals . Elections took place in 1919, 1921 and 1924: on this last occasion, Mussolini abolished proportional representation, replacing it with the Acerbo Law , by which the party that won the largest share of votes got two-thirds of the seats, which gave
18040-489: The market with the 24 HP and the brand name ALFA on the radiator grille. While automobiles were only affordable by few its popularity and fascination rose rapidly, and one of the first sports car racing events in the world, the Targa Florio , held annually in the mountains of Sicily was established in 1906. In the financial sector, Prime Minister Giolitti was mainly concerned with increasing pensions and restructuring
18204-463: The mount denied it. Instead the big cross was placed by the Lourdes Cave and remained there until 1954, when the cave had to be restored and the cross had to be moved. In memory of Don Borghi the project was finally carried out, and in 1954 the cross was placed on top of Mount Poncione, after the new owner allowed its installation. Cement, iron, water and sand were transported up to the Alpe Tedesco with
18368-460: The mountain summit. It leads to Porto Ceresio , from which a woodland path returns to the start at Cavagnano. This trek starts from the Cuasso al Monte Hospital. It is 12 kilometers long, with 500 meters ascent. It is a circular tour and takes about four hours and a half to be completed. After leaving the Hospital the Bocchetta dei Frati is reached via a woodland path, from which a path leads to
18532-577: The museum of ceramics. In addition to the museums and historical complex, the abbey is also the location of artistic and cultural events. The abbey is the subject of studies by the Association and Province of Varese. The Alpine Village of Mount Piambello is located at 1000 meters above sea level and is the result of a pro bono initiative by the Italian Touring Club (TCI, at the time called "Consociazione Turistica Italiana" ) to help of orphans from
18696-606: The natural corridor that links the Alps and the Po Valley . The park includes Lake Ghirla , Lake Ganna , and the Laghetto di Cavagnano. The last is a protected site (as Lake Ganna) due to the rare and endangered autochthonous fauna that inhabits the water. Adjacent to the park are Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano . The territory of the park is classified as part of the Varesine Prealps, which are geologically significant and linked to
18860-459: The neglect of agriculture, which declined after 1873. The Italian parliament initiated an investigation in 1877, which lasted eight years and blamed the lack of mechanization and modern farming techniques, and the failure of landowners to develop their lands. In addition, most farm laborers were temporary inexperienced short-term workers ( braccianti ). Farmers without a steady income were forced to subsist on meager food. Disease spread rapidly and
19024-412: The northern English county of Northumberland . Before the outbreak of the First World War, General Luigi Cadorna decided to incorporate the ruin of the castle within the Cadorna Line. On the Poncione peak stands a nine meter tall iron cross that was placed there on 4 April 1954. Don Enrico Borghi had it manufactured in 1914 with the intention to have it put on top of Mount Poncione, but the then owner of
19188-646: The painter Mario Alioli, an artistic concept was developed to stop the village's progressive decay by developing Boarezzo's artistic heritage. In the 1980s Aioli and the Pro Loco of Valganna began considering the idea of creating a "borgo dipinto" (in Italian literally "painted village"), in order to attract tourists and restore Boarezzo's lost vitality. Both Aioli and the Pro Loco gathered sixteen painters to represent that rural society using its own traditional crafts, that were slowly disappearing, displaying their paintings on
19352-423: The panoramic views that it has to offer. While this set of trails offers inexperienced bikers an opportunity to better their skills, it also suits expert bikers. The trail is featured with double jumps, drops, a rock garden, and many turns, all linked by curves and parabolas that keep the rhythm of biking fast. It is only biked downhill and it is advised to bike them on AM, Cross Country, and Fat tires bikes. Happy low
19516-454: The park territory belongs to the council of Cuasso al Monte, 15% to the council of Valganna and 5% to the council of Marzio. The park features a variety of panoramic views and natural landscapes. The park is sponsored by Lega Italiana Protezione Uccelli . The surrounding area hosts important habitats and ecosystems, and for that reason it has become part of the Life TIB project, which includes
19680-461: The park, is believed by historians to be located on a trade route that once linked the two important commercial centers of Milan and Switzerland , connecting the Varese Fair, the livestock Fair of Angera , and the marketplaces of Como , Sesto Calende and Luino . Archeological evidence for this includes extant portions of the old road stone pavement, and a study of the morphology and toponymy of
19844-494: The particular environmental conditions of the valley. The Ganna Lake has a surface area of 6 hectares, an average depth of 2 meters (reaching a maximum depth of 4 meters), and a perimeter of 1 kilometer. The lake is particularly clean due to the frequent change of the water (more than once a month), and the absence of factories and other polluting factors. Ganna Lake's principal affluent is the Margorabbia river. The temperatures near
20008-411: The path climbs to reach the Bocchetta degli Stivioni. There are five main mountain biking trails, most of them require skills and cautious behavior while others, less difficult, are featured for beginners in order to improve their skills. Marathon Trail The Marathon Trail is the main mountain biking trail within the park. It retraces for a big portion part of the tracks, on which it takes place
20172-449: The peak. Remains of the trenches of the Cadorna Line are visible along this path. On the top there are some antennas and two flat areas, and from one of these there is a viewpoint over Lake Lugano. A geological fracture named "faglia di Marzio" sections the valley from north-west and separates Mount Marzio from Mount Derta and Mount Piambello. While Mount Derta and Mount Piambello are mainly made up of red porphyry and quartz, Mount Marzio
20336-494: The political and administrative systems of the seven different major components under a unified set of policies. The different regions were proud of their traditions and could not easily be fitted into the Sardinian model. Cavour started planning for integration, but died (on 6 June 1861) before it was fully developed – indeed, the challenge is thought to have hastened his early death . The regional administrative bureaucracies followed
20500-494: The presence of both chambers. According to the law of 17 March 1861, his title was: " By the grace of God and by the will of the nation, King of Italy and King of Albania (only from 1939 to 1943) and Emperor of Ethiopia (only from 1936 to 1943)". He awarded the five Orders of Knighthood of Savoy and exercised constitutional sovereign rights. He commanded the land, sea and air power; he declared wars, concluded peace, alliance, trade and other treaties, of which only those that entailed
20664-529: The presence of many curious porphyry, similar to those of Monte Martica on the other side of the valley. The peak does not offer particular attractions since it is completely obstructed by vegetation. The ridge forms the watershed between the Valganna and the Cavalizza valley offering extensive views of the western Alps, the Monte Generoso area, and the mountains of the Province of Como and Province of Lecco to
20828-457: The proportion employed in agriculture fell below 50% around the turn of the century. However, not everyone benefited from these developments, as southern agriculture in particular suffered from the hot arid climate , while in the north malaria hampered cultivation of low-lying areas on the Adriatic coast. The government's focus on foreign and military policy in the early years of the state led to
20992-459: The remains of the Cadorna Line is well maintained, as are some of the bunkers, galleries and trenches. Following the trail it is possible to reach a panoramic spot, "Sasso Paradiso", from which it is possible to see the Lugano Prealps and the Lake Lugano. The territory of the park also includes several lakes, the most important ones being the Ghirla Lake and the Ganna Lake . The Ghirla Lake
21156-519: The right of legislation in conjunction with the national parliament, and the government was de facto responsible to parliament. According to the Salic Law , the throne was inherited in the male line of the royal House of Savoy . The king and his house professed allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church . He came of age at the age of 18 and, upon assuming power, took an oath to the constitution in
21320-475: The river stay relatively low all year round and this affects the flora and fauna. The Laghetto di Cavagnano, also called Torbiera di Cavagnano, is a small lake situated near the hamlet of Cavagnano (Cuasso al Monte). It is fueled by springs situated under the lake. It has only one effluent, which after a few hundred meters becomes a tributary of the Cavallizza. The vegetation found in the Cinque Vette Park area
21484-683: The royalists and republicans erupted. In April 1861, Garibaldi entered the Italian parliament and challenged Cavour's leadership, accusing him of dividing Italy, and threatened a civil war between the Kingdom in the North and his forces in the South. On 6 June 1861, the Kingdom's strongman Cavour died. During the ensuing political instability, Garibaldi and the republicans became increasingly revolutionary in tone. Garibaldi's arrest in 1862 set off worldwide controversy. In 1866, Otto von Bismarck , Minister President of Prussia , offered Victor Emmanuel II an alliance with
21648-429: The second aqueduct and a school were established. The children were not only offered recreational activities but also elementary school education. The Alpine Village of Mount Piambello remained active until the 1980s, hosting a total of 12,000 children. It is currently shut down, and not maintained by any custodians. Recently, the TCI has declared its intention to sell the village at a value of €1.5 million. This hospital
21812-645: The secret London Pact of 1915. After the refusal by President Woodrow Wilson to acknowledge the London Pact and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, with the Treaty of Rapallo in 1920 Italian claims on Northern Dalmatia were abandoned. During World War II, the Kingdom gained additional territory in Slovenia ( province of Lubiana ) and Dalmatia ( Governatorate of Dalmatia ) from Yugoslavia after its breakup in 1941. The Kingdom established and maintained until
21976-450: The small village to host the orphans during summer and winter holidays, for two months per year. The project plan was to create a village in a rural location, surrounded by vegetation and at an elevated height, so that the children could experience contact with nature. The children had the chance to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking in the several mountains in the park, and in winter to experience skiing and sledging. The village included
22140-504: The socialists were opposed not only to social policy but also to colonial expansion. Prime Minister Francesco Crispi financed the colonial policy with tax increases and austerity measures. The internal political differences culminated in the Bava Beccaris massacre in Milan. There, on 7 May 1898, there were mass demonstrations against rising bread prices. General Fiorenzo Bava-Beccaris , after
22304-458: The south continued to be a central problem for the state. Various solutions were proposed for the so-called " Southern question " by Francesco Saverio Nitti , Gaetano Salvemini and Sidney Sonnino, but the government only acted in special problem areas such as Naples . The ILVA group of Genoa , with the political and financial backing of the Italian state, built the Bagnoli steel plant as part of
22468-466: The south. This was motivated by fear of increasing social tensions and monetary instability. In 1906 the government lowered the national interest tax rate from 5% to 3.75%. This move eased the burden on the state's required finances, reduced the fears of state bondholders , and encouraged the growth of heavy industry . The subsequent budget surplus made it possible to finance major government work projects which massively reduced unemployment , such as
22632-430: The state and its creditors. It consisted of a president, three section presidents, 24 councilors of state and the service staff, and was appointed by the king on the proposal of the Council of Ministers. There was brief experimentation in 1882 with multi-member districts, and after World War I proportional representation was introduced with large, regional, multi-seat electoral constituencies. The Socialists became
22796-452: The state of siege was declared, fired artillery and rifles at the crowd. Depending on the information, between 82 and 300 people were killed. King Umberto I congratulated the general in a telegram and awarded him a medal. This made him enemies, and in 1900 he, who had been king for 22 years, was shot in Monza by the anarchist Gaetano Bresci . Cinque Vette Park The Cinque Vette Park
22960-415: The support of 50% of votes and 25% of all enrolled voters to be elected in the first round of ballots. Seats not adjudicated on the first ballot, were filled through a runoff held shortly after the first ballots. In addition to this, there was a Council of State , which had consultative powers and decided on conflicts of jurisdiction between administrative authorities and courts, as well as on disputes between
23124-628: The support of the allied countries, as was decided during the Third Chantilly Conference in December 1916. Three battle plans were developed by the 5th Army Command. "Plan A" was defensive and assumed French support in the Arona-Gallarate area. “Plan B” involved an offensive "leap" up to the passes of Monte Ceneri and Bernina and occupying the northern border ridges of the Adda river. “Plan C”
23288-491: The temperatures do not drop as low as they used to in the past. This decrease in winter temperatures has made the lake far more dangerous for ice skaters, and in winter 2017 the mayor of Valganna recommended citizens not to skate or walk on the Lake. The Ghirla Lake has a small beach, covered in green grass, and since the water is very clean, it is a popular summer swimming location. It is also popular for camping and horse riding. In
23452-483: The territories it was promised . In 1922, Benito Mussolini became prime minister of Italy, ushering in an era of National Fascist Party government known as " Fascist Italy ". Authoritarian rule was enforced, crushing all political opposition while promoting economic modernization, traditional values, and territorial expansion . In 1929, the Italian government reconciled with the Roman Catholic Church through
23616-506: The thirteenth-century conflict between Guelphs and Ghibellines . After the Duke of Milan obtained it, its traces were completely lost for many years. Its original structure and builders are not known. A few years ago, at the end of a small excavation campaign conducted by some local historians, it emerged that its layout is so unusual that only two similar buildings have been discovered: the now disappeared castle of Trecate and Warkworth Castle , in
23780-402: The trail has one of the best views of the entire park. The panoramic spot, from which it is possible to see Lake Lugano, is named Punta Paradiso. It has a loop structure and it is advised to bike it on AM, Cross Country bikes, and it is a one-direction trail. The US ACLI Cavagnano ASD organizes a cross country running contest, the Trail Prealpi Varesine, a circuit that includes a race through
23944-414: The unification period as continuing past 1871, including activities during the late 19th century and the First World War (1915–1918), and reaching completion only with the Armistice of Villa Giusti on 4 November 1918. This more expansive view of the unification is presented at the Central Museum of the Risorgimento . A major challenge for the prime ministers of the new Kingdom of Italy was integrating
24108-433: The units of the Territorial Militia. The fortified system then passed under the control of 6 battalions of the Regia Guardia di Finanza . After Caporetto, these 6 battalions were also sent to defend the Piave line and after this the Cadorna Line remained unguarded until the end of the conflict. General Mambretti, dismissed by Cadorna, was placed in charge of the OAFN on 20 July 1917, replacing General Lequio. The command of
24272-426: The village. The abbey, found in Valganna, was constructed in 1095 and consecrated in 1160. Saint Gemolo's Abbey is famous for being a place of worship in memory of the martyr Saint Gemolo . The structure of the abbey is based around the cloister, which has an unusual pentagonal shape, considered in Roman times the fortified heart of the abbey. The complex also includes a church, a bell tower, housing for its monks and
24436-417: The walls of the village houses. The artistic village was dedicated to two important sculptors: Giuseppe Grandi and Odoardo Tabacchi . Subsequently, an association was founded with the aim of fostering Aioli's initiative and preserve it over time. In 2008 the Association celebrated its twentieth anniversary with two new panels by Mario Alioli and Sergio Colombo which are now hanging in the ancient wash-house of
24600-414: The work. Toce-Verbano : (Simplon Pass to Lake Maggiore ) The Ornavasso barrier was strengthened by providing a final retreat line at the Candoglia quarries in order to take advantage of the natural defense offered by the mountains of the Val Grande. The barrier of the Simplon railway was not modified, because it was assumed that enemy occupation was certain. Half a 75 mm artillery battery (two guns)
24764-406: Was a state that existed from 17 March 1861, when Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia was proclaimed King of Italy , until 10 June 1946, when the monarchy was abolished, following civil discontent that led to an institutional referendum on 2 June 1946 . This resulted in a modern Italian Republic . The kingdom was established through the unification of several states over a decades-long process, called
24928-412: Was assigned to the Iselle cave post, with the task of closing the tunnel in case of emergency. When the risk of invasion passed, this post remained the only one operating until the end of the war. Verbano-Ceresio : ( Luino to Porto Ceresio ) the defense was built along two lines; initially it was the positions of the Varese entrenched camp that were equipped, and only later was it decided to move up to
25092-706: Was considered insufficient since its location, at the level of the lake, could allow the enemy to fight back from higher ground with artillery stationed on the nearby hills. High positions were then established further up on it:Monte Legnoncino . The Cadorna Line was innovative - traditional structures such as isolated garrisons, vulnerable to heavy artillery, were abandoned in favor of steel armored domes, semi-permanent field works, barbette posts for mortars, howitzers and cannons, and cave positions for machine guns and medium caliber artillery. Machine gun nests were designed to ensure coordinated covering fire. The designers relied most heavily on trenches. These were very different to
25256-401: Was decided to mint coins that nominally had 900‰ fine silver, but which in fact they contained 835‰ so as to approach the real exchange rate between gold and silver which was approximately 1 to 14.38. Exactly four months after the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy , the government introduced the new national currency, the Italian lira . The legal tender of the new currency was established by
25420-411: Was decided to opt for bimetallism , taking inspiration from the French franc model, from which the dimensions of the coins and the exchange rate of 1 to 15.50 between gold and silver were taken. The Italian monetary system, however, differed from the French one in two aspects: silver coins could be exchanged in unlimited quantities with the State, but limited quantities between private individuals and it
25584-430: Was declared on Austria . In 1855, the Kingdom of Sardinia became an ally of Britain and France in the Crimean War , giving Cavour's diplomacy legitimacy in the eyes of the great powers. The Kingdom of Sardinia again attacked the Austrian Empire in the Second Italian War of Independence of 1859, with the aid of France , resulting in liberating Lombardy . On the basis of the secret Plombières Agreement (21 July 1858),
25748-401: Was established as a hospital and in 1981 it passed to the USSL 4 of Arcisate . The hospital was subsequently converted in to a rehabilitation facility that accommodates two areas of specialist rehabilitation, neurology and pulmonology. Each ward includes rehabilitation activities and related services. At the beginning of March 2020 the ASST Sette Laghi (Territorial Healthcare Company) identified
25912-436: Was for an offensive to eliminate the Ticino salient in Switzerland. Following rumors that Switzerland had entered into a secret pact with Germany to attack Italy, the plans were modified to assume Switzerland was hostile rather than a neutral country that had been invaded from the north. In the first months of 1917 the works were almost complete, but by this time their garrison troops had already been sent to Veneto together with
26076-410: Was mostly due to small and medium-sized family businesses. Political unification did not automatically bring about economic integration , because of the sharp contrasts in culture, politics, and economic practices among the various regions. Italy managed to industrialize in several steps, although the country remained the most backward economy among the great powers (except for the Russian Empire ) and
26240-529: Was prevented from speaking, which led the Garibaldini to riots called the " Niçard Vespers ". Fifteen of the Nice rebels were tried and sentenced. Economic conditions in united Italy were poor. The country lacked transportation facilities (see here ) and industry, and suffered from extreme poverty (especially in the Mezzogiorno ) and high illiteracy. Only a small wealthy elite had the right to vote. The unification movement relied largely on foreign powers' support and continued to do so afterwards. Following
26404-459: Was the Roman question resolved and positive relations restored between the Kingdom of Italy and the Vatican, after the signing of the Lateran Pacts . Some of the states that had been targeted for unification ( terre irredente ), Trentino-Alto Adige and the Julian March , did not join the Kingdom of Italy until 1918 after Italy had defeated Austria-Hungary at the end of the First World War . For this reason, historians sometimes describe
26568-501: Was the patriotic journalist Giuseppe Mazzini , member of the secret revolutionary society of Carbonari and founder of the influential political movement Young Italy in the early 1830s. Mazzini favoured a unitary republic and advocated a broad nationalist movement. His prolific output of propaganda helped to spread the unification movement. The most famous member of Young Italy was the revolutionary and general Giuseppe Garibaldi , renowned for his extremely loyal followers, who led
26732-438: Was the site of the famous meeting of 26 October 1860 between Giuseppe Garibaldi and Victor Emmanuel II , last King of Sardinia, in which Garibaldi shook Victor Emanuel's hand and hailed him as King of Italy ; thus, Garibaldi sacrificed republican hopes for the sake of Italian unity under a monarchy. Cavour agreed to include Garibaldi's Southern Italy allowing it to join the union with the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1860. This allowed
26896-411: Was very dependent on foreign trade , especially the international markets through which it imported coal and exported grain . After unification, Italy had a predominantly agricultural society, with 60 percent of the labor force employed in agriculture. Advances in technology increased export opportunities for Italian agricultural produce after a period of crisis in the 1880s. With industrialization,
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