On the peak of Monte Belvedere (1140m), next to the ruins of Castello (Castel) di Monte Belvedere.

The monument is a large piece of pointed granite (about 9 ft tall) with chains hanging from the top; the 10^thMountain Division insignia carved into the stone, and, a brass inscribed plaque.  A smaller plaque is placed at ground level in front of the granite stone.

In January 1945, the 10^th Mountain Division arrived on the Gothic Line on the Italian Front.  They were given the arduous task of taking Monte Belvedere (also referred to as Monte Castello) as part of “Operation Encore”.

From the Linea Gotica Website:

Monte Belvedere was the main stronghold on the second line of defenses within the Gothic Line which, in the Apennine area on the border between the provinces of Modena and Bologna, extended along the ridges to Vergato, dominating the Reno Valley and above all highway 64. In February 1945, when the Allies decided to break through the Gothic line starting from Monte Belvedere, they drew up the battle plan known as Operation Encore. The first phase involved the taking of the Monti della Riva, or “Riva Ridge”, followed by Belvedere and then the entire line of defenses through to Castel d’Aiano. The American troops of the 10th Mountain Division were assigned to put this plan into effect, supported by the 1st Brazilian Infantry Division, whose objective was to take Monte Castello (Monte Belvedere). The summit of Monte Belvedere was taken on the morning of 20 February 1945 by troops of the 85th Regiment.  

The fortifications on the summit were cleared for access in 1999 and a monument to the fallen of the 10th Mountain Division was erected in 2006.

The 10th Mountain Division in WWII recap:

– Arrived in Italy on January 6th, 1945 & immediately entered combat

– Fought in the roughest terrain of Italy during WWII

– Saw combat in Cutigliano, Battle of Monte Castello, Monte Della Torraccia-Mount Belvedere,  Canolle,  Mongiorgio, Torbole and Nago.

– 992 killed in action

– 4,154 wounded in action

– 114 days of combat

– 1  Medal of Honor (John D. Magrath)

– 3 Distinguished Service Crosses

– 449 Silver Star Medals

– 7 Legion of Merit Medals

– 15 Soldier’s Medals

– 7,729 Bronze Star

– The division was awarded two campaign streamers

The town of Lizzano Belvedere placed this monument to remember the sacrifice of the 10^th Mountain soldiers on this battlefield in June 2006.

The text on the two plaques are written in English and Italian.  The plaque attached to the granite stone reads:

2^nd World War – Gothic Line  –  1944-1945

In memory of the soldiers of the 10^th Mountain Division (U.S.)

and all those who fought on these mountains and gave their

lives for freedom of our country.

The municipality of Lizzano in Belvedere in the name

of all is citizens with gratitude

Mount Belvedere, 2^nd June 2006

The small plaque at ground level in front of the monument reads:

This monument was made with 

The help of the Alpini Association

Of Lizzano in Belvedere and the 

Friends of the 10^th Mountain Division