Monte Altuzzo Memorial Cross
Details:
At the top of the German defensive network accessible by trail from the Giogo pass.
A wooden cross mounted on a stone pedestal about 12 feet tall with 2 inscribed brass plaques.
Monte Altuzzo was a key position along the German Gothic Line (or Green Line) during the Allied attack along these positions in September 1944. The 5th Armies 85th and 91st Infantry Divisions were the main effort in this attack. Monuments to the 363rd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division and to the 338th Infantry Regiment, 85th Infantry Division can be found along the main road (SP 503) from Scarperia attest to the difficult mission to take these positions.
Special Thanks to the Gothic Line Museum and Research Center (Gotica Toscana onlus) for the work they have done on the reconstructed bunkers and for assistance identifying this site.
Monument Text:
Text:
There are two inscribed brass plaques; one on the base the other on the wooden cross. Bother are written in Italian and read:
On the Pedestal:
CROCE DI MONTE ALTUZZO
(924 mt slm)
Voluto dalla Parroccheria di S. Maria a Fagna- Scarperia (Fi)
Su idea dell’ Architetto Remo Nencini
In memorai di tutti I caduti in Guerra su questi monti
Benedetta da
Don Costante Bianchi e dal diacono Romano Biancani
Il 1 Settembre 2002
Translation in English:
CROSS OF MOUNT ALTUZZO
(924 Meters slm)
Desired by the S. Maria of Fagna-Scarperia Parish
With the idea of Architect Remo Nencini
In memory of those who fell here in war on these mountains
Blessed by
Father Costante Bianchi and Deacon Romano Biancani
On 1 September 2002
On the cross:
QUESTA CROCE E STATA INNALZATA
IL 25 AGOSTO 2002
E INAUGURATA IL 27 APRILE 2003
DA SE CARDINALE
SILVANO PIOVENELLI
Translation in English:
This cross was raised on
August 25, 2002
And inaugurated on April 27, 2003
By Cardinaal
Silvano Piovanelli