How to get there
Per raggiungere il Parco Memoriale della Linea Gotica, in auto, se vieni da Firenze, prendi l’autostrada A1 in direzione Bologna e esci a Barberino di Mugello. Da lì, segui le indicazioni per Vernio e successivamente per il Passo del Giogo, dove si trova il parco. In treno la stazione ferroviaria più vicina è Vernio. Da lì, puoi prendere un taxi o un autobus per il parco, che si trova a circa 10 km dalla stazione.
Per raggiungere il parco, puoi seguire questi percorsi:
- Da Barberino del Mugello: prendi la strada provinciale che collega Barberino a Montepiano. Dopo circa 2 chilometri da Mangona, troverai un cartello che indica l’accesso al parco. Da lì, segui il sentiero CAI 20 per circa 500 metri.
- Da San Quirico di Vernio: percorri la strada comunale della Torricella, che collega San Quirico a Mangona. Da San Quirico, sali verso la frazione di Celle su via della Piaggia Alta, poi svolta a sinistra seguendo l’indicazione per Barberino del Mugello. L’accesso al parco è segnalato da un cartello sul culmine del poggio, dove la strada diventa sterrata. Da qui, è necessario camminare per circa un chilometro.
Il parco è sempre accessibile e offre una vista panoramica tra la Val di Bisenzio e il Mugello, conservando alcune delle difese del caposaldo tedesco.
Breve storia
Il Parco Memoriale della Linea Gotica è stato inaugurato nel 2003 per commemorare gli eventi legati alla Linea Gotica. Il parco si trova a Vernio, in provincia di Prato, sulla storica Collina di Hill 810 (Poggio Stancalasino), dove si svolsero alcuni dei combattimenti più duri tra le truppe alleate, principalmente americane, e quelle tedesche.
Il parco è stato inaugurato grazie all’impegno del Comune di Vernio, in collaborazione con le associazioni di partigiani e altre realtà locali, con l’obiettivo di preservare la memoria di questi eventi storici. Commemora i sacrifici dei soldati alleati e tedeschi, nonché della popolazione civile che subì gravi perdite durante il conflitto.
Oggi, il parco conserva le fortificazioni tedesche originali, trincee, e altre strutture difensive, e offre ai visitatori l’opportunità di riflettere sul valore della pace e sulle sofferenze di coloro che vissero quegli eventi in quei tragici giorni del settembre 1944.
Strada Provinciale 36 da Barberino del Mugello in Località Casino/Cirignano, verso Montepiano. Circa 10 km da Barberino del Mugello.
The Memory of Soldiers.
The weeks of the battle saw the sacrifice of many soldiers and civilians. The casualties among the American ranks were heavy, with ninety-one soldiers fallen, including the brigade commander. Colonel William S. Schildroth, the respected commander of the Red Bull, was killed by a landmine, leaving a deep void within the troops and an indelible memory among the local civilians. Grenadier-Regiment 754 of the 334th Division of the Wehrmacht was no less determined to resist. This unit, hardened by the war in North Africa and deployed in Italy from the early days of the campaign, had built well-hidden positions and advanced fortifications, taking advantage of the mountainous topography of the Gothic Line to slow down the Allied advance.
The civilian population also suffered heavy losses due to the bombings and the mines scattered along the mountain paths. Many residents of Vernio and Barberino del Mugello, along with evacuees who had taken refuge in the area, lost their lives or were injured. Despite the difficult situation, the civilians showed great resilience, often collaborating with the Allied forces and with Italian partisans who acted as guides or cared for the wounded. This shared effort between Allied troops and Italian civilians is commemorated every year with a ceremony, where the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom are honored.
Anniversary and Celebrations.
The memory of the Battle of Hill 810 still lives on today in the hearts of the local community. Every year, on September 20 or around those days, a commemoration ceremony is held to honor the American and Italian soldiers who fell for the liberation of Tuscany. On the 65th anniversary of the liberation, the community of Vernio dedicated a street as "Via 34th Infantry Division Red Bull," a symbolic gesture that acknowledges the importance of this division in the liberation of the town and the region.
Among the guests at the anniversary was Don Singlestad, a veteran of the battle and recipient of the Italian Medal of Valor, one of the few Americans to have received this honor. The ceremony was attended by local authorities and American military representatives, including General Rick Nash, who, in an emotional speech, praised the dedication of the Red Bull soldiers in the fighting at Hill 810. Nash stated that the example of peace and prosperity that Vernio offers today is a model he hopes will inspire other nations in conflict.
The Gothic Line Memorial Park, with its historical legacy, fortifications, and monuments, represents not only a tribute to the past but also a bridge between generations. This place invites visitors to honor the courage and resilience of those who fought, ensuring that their sacrifice remains forever in the collective memory.
The Battle of Vernio for Hill 810.
Between September 9 and 24, 1944, the hills of Vernio (PO) and Barberino del Mugello (FI) were the scene of intense fighting between the 133rd Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" of the United States and the Grenadier-Regiment 754 of the 334th Infantry Division of the Wehrmacht, known as the "Phalange Africaine." The Gothic Line, an imposing system of fortifications built by the Germans across the Italian mountains, stretching from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Adriatic Sea, represented one of the last barriers for the advancing Allied troops heading north. Vernio, located in the lush hills of Tuscany, was a strategic point in this defensive line: Hill 810. This hill, named for its height of 810 meters above sea level, was heavily fortified and, for the American soldiers, represented a key objective to open a path towards Bologna and beyond, into the heart of occupied Italy.
Hill 810, officially known as Poggio Stancalasino, with its trenches and German positions carved into the rock, proved to be a difficult objective to capture. The U.S. troops, supported by Italian partisans, had to face fierce fighting on steep and rugged terrain, with the constant risk of mine explosions and persistent enemy fire. From September 9 to 24, the American forces managed to capture and lose the position multiple times, due to the heavily fortified German defenses and the sophisticated network of tunnels and positions that allowed the defenders to hold out for a long time, even under intense enemy fire.
The operations began on September 10, 1944, with the advance of the infantry regiments from Legri, in the municipality of Calenzano, towards the Montepiano area. Passing through the Croci and Monte Maggiore, they reached Sofignano and Montecuccoli on September 11, overcoming and annihilating various enemy positions. On September 12, they reached Figliule, Doganaccia, and Rimaggiori. On September 13, the German resistance became much more pressing and fierce, so much so that on the 14th, the front halted in these positions, mainly due to a strong counterattack by around 200 infantry, who, shouting and firing, charged in waves against the Americans, temporarily managing to halt their advance.
The Germans were well entrenched at three strategic points: Poggio Montetiglioli (elevation 628), Poggio Torricella (elevation 791), and Poggio Stancalasino (elevation 810). On these heights, they had set up well-protected shelters for men and materials. For at least a week of fierce fighting, they were able to halt the American advance towards Montepiano.
We have discussed the forces involved. On the German side, the 754th Grenadier Regiment of the 334th Infantry Division "Phalange Africaine." On the American side, the 133rd Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull."
Cronaca della Battaglia
September 14, 1944
The command of the 133rd U.S. Infantry Regiment was at S. Margherita. The 1st Battalion was sent to take Q.791, Poggio Torricella. Aerial reconnaissance reported that it, along with Q.810 and Q.807, was heavily fortified as a stronghold. Attempts were also made to send Companies "A" and "B" to Terenzana to attack the hill from the east, while the 2nd Battalion was sent to Montetiglioli to reinforce the push from the south.
September 15
The artillery fires throughout the day, with 15-minute barrages at a rate of 10 rounds per minute, until at 17:05, both battalions spring into action. However, little ground is gained: Company "G" reaches Montetiglioli at 21:50, and Company "B" establishes itself at Terenzana at 21:15. The 3rd Battalion takes the Mangona-Barberino road, which, however, remains under German fire.
September 16
At dawn, some elements of Company "G" advance to Q.662, the Torricella pass, but the entire front comes to a halt: fierce clashes occur everywhere.
September 17
The battalions resume their attack with the help of the 168th, which pounds the eastern side of Q.807 with its fire. At 13:00, Q.810 is captured by the 1st Battalion, but an immediate counterattack pushes them back down. They attack again, and by 16:15, it is once again in American hands.
September 18
The entire day sees the units engaged in holding their positions, with many clashes occurring in the narrow side valleys to prevent mutual flanking attempts. The 1st Battalion loses control of Q.810.
September 19
At 04:30, after the artillery fire, the infantry moves out, and by 05:15, the first objectives are reached. Significant numbers of exhausted Germans are captured, but Q.810 remains resistant; it is an excellent observation point, giving the enemy control of the terrain.
September 20
The attack is carried out by Companies "A" and "B," merged due to the losses sustained, and by Company "C," while the 3rd Battalion provides cover from Q.791. The use of flamethrowers and incendiary shells is decided upon, as it is believed they will achieve good results against the enemy, who could not be dealt with by traditional means. At 04:20, under the rain, the advance begins, and by 05:40, Company "A/B" captures the house at Q.748, with the rest of the Battalion pushing toward Q.810. The tanks managed to reach the Torricella road and strike the strongpoints, which are retaken. The night is quiet until 04:45, when the elements stationed at Q.810 are hit by a counterattack and are forced to retreat to Q.791, Poggio Torricella.
September 21
At 08:30, the two companies begin to advance again but are pinned down by fire coming from Cardeto, until the 2nd Battalion sends some patrols to clear that pocket. In the early afternoon, they encounter an extensive minefield and barbed wire on the eastern slopes of Poggio Stancalasino, and the advance temporarily halts again. However, by 18:00, both Q.807 and Q.810 are firmly in American hands.
September 22
The resistance is broken. The 133rd Infantry Regiment advances towards Crocetta and Montepiano.
Questo filmato mostra i soldati del 135° Reggimento di Fanteria, 34ª Divisione di Fanteria, prima e dopo il loro attacco a San Vittore, Lazio, Italia, nell’avanzata dalla Linea Gustav verso Roma lungo la Valle del Liri
Dalla storia della 34ª Divisione di Fanteria: “L’assalto fu lanciato dal 3° Battaglione alle 23:30 del 4 gennaio. Questa volta senza preparazione di artiglieria, due plotoni della Compagnia ‘K’, sotto il comando del temibile capo combattente Capitano Emil Skalicky, partirono in direzione di San Vittore. Il progresso di entrambi i plotoni fu rallentato da mitragliatrici e cecchini, ma entro la sera del 5, le truppe combattevano nelle stesse strade del villaggio. Per tutto il 6 gennaio, si continuarono combattimenti aspri con granate, fucili e mitragliatrici, casa per casa e strada per strada; il nemico alla fine si ritirò, lasciando indietro, come prigionieri di guerra, circa 175 uomini della dura 44ª Divisione Granatieri. San Vittore era una città fantasma, il silenzio interrotto solo dal passaggio delle nostre truppe e dal rat-tat-tat delle mitragliatrici nelle colline circostanti.”
Fonte del filmato: NARA, 111-ADC-10411. Ripreso nella prima settimana di gennaio 1944.
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