Lonato del Garda is set to unveil one of the most secretive and fascinating chapters of its recent history: the impact of the Cold War on the territory of the Lake Garda. An in-depth event titled “The Cold War on Lake Garda: The Story of a Secret Place” will offer a fresh perspective on the military infrastructures and the geopolitical balance that characterized the area, where the remnants of the complex East-West period are still palpable. Historical Context and Field Research The evening, organized by the Socio-Cultural Center “La Stazione” of Lonato del Garda in collaboration with the Ftase Group and the National Association of Combatants and Veterans, will be introduced by Giuseppe Stefana from the Ftase Group Association. The initial presentation will outline the historical context of the era and detail the research conducted on the military structures from the Cold War present in the Garda area. The aim is to shed light on the stories, people, and places that played a crucial role during this lesser-known historical period. Direct Experience: From Atomic Defense to West Star Command The program will feature two prominent presentations, starting with a testimony from Gen. Gerardino De Meo. The General will present his contribution titled: “From Atomic Cannon to Anti-Atomic Bunker – In Defense of Peace”. De Meo will guide attendees through his direct experiences during the peak years of tension between the East and West blocs, sharing anecdotes from his military career where he led personnel in the field. Particular emphasis will be placed on the period when he served as Commander of West Star, the historic and secret NATO base at Lake Garda, during the years when the facility was being decommissioned alongside the conclusion of the Cold War. Regeneration Perspectives: The PeaACE-High Project The second presentation will be given by Arch. Davide Sigurtà, who will discuss: “PeaACE-High: Understanding the Cold War to Build Peace”. Since 2014, Arch. Sigurtà has conducted university research on war boundaries, delving into the topic of the Cold War since 2017, with a particular focus on the troposcatter communication system ACE-High. This research has led to the necessity of applying such knowledge in a regenerative process to repurpose the abandoned assets left in the wake of the Cold War, transforming them into a virtuous testament in favor of building European peace. During the presentation, images and concrete examples will be shown on how to develop a “PeaACE-High” pathway through the recovery of these significant remnants. The event will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, starting at 8:30 PM at the Urban Center “La Stazione” located at piazzale Vittorio Veneto n° 1 in Lonato del Garda (BS). Italian Version
The Secrets of the Cold War on Lake Garda: The Story of the NATO Base and the ACE-High System
