21. The forts of Monte Brione

<p>An easy trek to explore the Austro-Hungarian border defences along the <strong>Sentiero della Pace</strong> or <strong>Peace Trail</strong></p>

<p> Up until 1918 Garda Trentino belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire which, well aware of the strategic position of the area, went about constructing a serious system of defences which centred on Monte Brione. Apart from bearing visible traces of that period, Monte Brione is also a protected area because of the high level of biodiversity of its typical Mediterranean vegetation.</p> <p>Brione is home to 817 species of plant, 35% of the entire flora of Trentino! Many of these are rare or endangered species and some grow here alone, on the shores of Lake Garda. In particular, there is an extraordinary variety of orchids with 26 known species. This is the reason why the top of Monte Brione is recognised as protected area. </p>