The Gothic Line

What is known to all as the Gothic Line, was the last organized German defense line in northern Italy.

It extended for about 320 km of fortifications, walkways, trenches, wire fences and bunkers that went from Massa (Tyrrhenian Sea) to Pesaro and then near Ravenna (Adriatic Sea).

In reality the real name given to it by the Germans was Gotenstellung, but the name was first anglicized into Gothic Line and subsequently translated into Italian into Gothic Line, where soldiers of multiple nationalities from different parts of the world faced each other.

This line kept the Allies blocked for about 7 months, the dream of liberating Bologna by Christmas 1944 remained just an illusion.

The Gothic Line underwent several changes due to the retreat of the front and when it reached the Castel d'Aiano area, it took the name of Green Line II, a sub-sector of the Green Line, where men of the 10th Mountain Division in February/March 1945 waiting and preparing for the Spring Offensive.

In our territory, the Gothic Line had a fundamental strategic role.

Among the mountains, woods and small villages of the Bologna and Modena Apennines, fierce fighting took place between German troops, allies and Italian partisans.

Even today it is possible to see the signs of those days: trenches, shelters, artillery positions and many stories kept in the memory of our community.

The Memory of Our Ancestors.