The tunnel was excavated by the Austro-Hungarian army during the winter of 1916-1917 to protect troops from avalanches and enemy fire.
The temperature inside the tunnel remains consistently cold throughout the year, reflecting the glacial environment.
The exhibition was designed to evoke the psychological strain of soldiers isolated at high altitude for months at a time.
The location was part of a complex defense system aimed at controlling the Tonale Pass.
Many artifacts recovered from the site, such as tools and personal belongings, were found as melting glaciers revealed them decades later.
Galleria Paradiso is a high-altitude immersive museum located inside an original tunnel carved into the rock during the First World War. It is situated at an elevation of 2,600 meters at the Paradiso Pass in the Tonale Pass area of the Italian Alps. The museum commemorates the White War, or Guerra Bianca, which was fought on glaciers and extreme terrain. Visitors walk through a 300-meter-long tunnel that served as a strategic military shelter for Austro-Hungarian soldiers. The sensory exhibit utilizes audio-visual installations to replicate the sounds of wind, ice cracking, and soldiers' voices in the high-altitude environment. It serves as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges faced by troops on the Ortler-Cevedale front.
The entrance portal of the tunnel, which offers a dramatic view of the surrounding glacial peaks.
Wear warm, windproof winter clothing and sturdy hiking boots, even in the middle of summer.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight if you prefer to see details outside of the programmed lighting zones.
Allow time for your body to acclimate to the significant altitude before entering the tunnel.
Do not attempt to walk to the museum from the pass base; use the cable car to avoid extreme physical exertion and altitude sickness.
Operates seasonally; typically accessible only when the Paradiso cable car is running, usually during summer and ski seasons.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor to observe the sound installations properly; touching the historic rock walls is discouraged.
