Stazione Troposcatter
Visited in 2020
Duration of visit : <1 hour
In 1964/65 the NATO set up a radiocommunication and warning system called ACE High. Multiple troposcatter antennas were built from Norway to Turkey, through the allied countries. The system provided encrypted radio communication among NATO leaders.
This base consists of two antennas and a service and living quarters. Construction started in 1965 and it was operational from 1969 until 1995. The base offered space for 16-20 soldiers, as well as space for supporting carabinieri and commanders. An armored watch post on the roof was added to spot intruders coming up the mountain. The watch post was equipped with bulletproof glass (including windscreen wiper), embrasures and searchlight.
I imagined the site to be a quiet, deserted mountaintop. But as I approached the site it turned out to be a popular touristic destination for the Italians enjoying their summer holiday.
The gate giving acces to the road to the base was open and numerous cars were driving to the top. Although this already kind of spoiled the scene for me I chose to drive up as well, especially since a thunderstorm was approaching. On top of the mountain six other cars were parked and about 20 people (mostly tourists) were exploring the abandoned buildings. I quickly scouted the buildings and put up the drone.
Just in time, because after the last shot, the sight of my drone got blocked by the clouds and we heard the clouds rumbling. Quickly I decided it’d be better to land the drone and leave, as weather in the mountains can be quite unpredictable and because this place was too touristy for me anyway.
