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this is a hiking location!
About this place
Forte di Champlas Seguin
The fortress was built by the Italian military between 1896 and 1898 to protect the border against potential French attacks via the Montgenèvre Pass. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,840 meters above the hamlet of Champlas Ségui, in the municipality of Cesana Torinese in the Piedmont region.
The complex had a pentagonal layout and was entirely surrounded by a moat and a stone counterscarp wall. Inside, there were single-story barracks and a central earthen rampart. It was equipped with six 15 GRC Ret cannons, positioned in pairs on the south side and aimed at the strategically important Col Bousson and Col Bourget passes. Additionally, cannons on siege carriages could be deployed to defend the Montgenèvre road, the Piccola Dora gorge, and the Cesana basin.
A distinctive feature was an annular gallery running beneath the defensive wall, providing a secure connection between the artillery positions and the gunpowder magazine.
On June 6, 1944, the fortress was destroyed by an explosion triggered by Italian partisans from the "Serafino" group. The aim was to prevent German troops from using the explosives stored there. The explosion destroyed large parts of the complex, particularly the northern section of the moat and the entrance areas. Nevertheless, many structures—such as the underground passages and some artillery positions—remain visible today.
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Coordinates
44.949844, 6.827108
Unpaved - Medium / Loosened
Low number of visitors
Navigate (Phone)
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Access type
Unpaved - Medium / Loosened
Suited vehicles
Enduro Motorcycle
Best time to visit
Summer
Autumn