The third chapter of the saga linked to ‘Il Borgo dei Borghi’ is dedicated to a story that deserves to be told: that of the Battle of the Giogo Pass during World War 2.
Mugellandia Chapter 3: Special Gothic Line
The Giogo Pass and the Gothic Line
From its height of 882 metres above sea level, the Giogo Pass joins Tuscany with Romagna via the road built by the Lorraine family in the 18th century. The so-called Gothic Line, a defensive system wanted by Hitler and built by the German army headed by Field Marshal Kesserling to stop the Allied advance, passed through here, and it was here in September 1944 that the 8th Allied Army attacked with the intention of breaking through the Gothic Line and opening a way to reach the Po Valley: thus began what went down in history as the ‘Battle of the Giogo Pass’.
The Mu-Got, Gothic Line Museum in Ponzalla
A thematic museum meticulously curated by the Tuscan Gothic Association, a group of historians, scholars and enthusiasts who, over the years, have collected an enormous quantity of artefacts, weapons, ammunition and many other objects that tell the story of not only the battle, but much more. That's why it deserves to be visited with care and attention.
WHAT WE WILL DO
We will walk on the paths of the Gothic Line, through what the allies called the ‘King's Dead Forest’, seeing what was left after the bombing, the signs of which are still visible today. We will have a packed lunch on top of Monte Altuzzo admiring the breathtaking panorama of Mugello. With the knowledgeable guidance of the Tuscan Gothic Association we will explore the restored German bunkers to discover how they worked and how it was possible to live inside them. Then we will reach the Mu-Got of Ponzalla with the second part of the guided tour.
An unmissable thematic experience for history buffs and not only!
THE TREKKING ROUTE
Characteristics:
Km: 6
Height difference: 100 m
Surface: asphalt and gravel
INFO
When: Sunday, 23 March 2025.
How long: from 11:00 a.m. to approx. 5:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Passo del Giogo, in front of Albergo Ristorante Il Giogo
Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mSJTgdmkM8aM5y7MA
Parking: free parking available nearby
What to bring: hiking or trail running clothing and shoes, rucksack, water, packed lunch
Prices:
Trekking and guide service € 15.00
Guided tour of fortifications and museum entrance € 15,00
Reservations: contact Joey Trek (Giuseppe Cristiano, guide and tourism technician) by phone, Whatsapp or Telegram. Reservations are compulsory.
Info: 347 4736603
