Mount Grappa

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Mount Grappa (Italian Monte Grappa) is a 1776 meter (5825 feet) tall mountain in the Veneto region of Italy. Part of the Pre-Alps, the mountain is divided between the provinces of Vicenza, Treviso and Belluno. It was the site of a famous World War I battle.

The Battle of Mount Grappa, sometimes called "Italy's Thermopylae", was fought by Italian troops against Austria and Germany, in November and December 1917. The fortified mountain was the last line of defense between the Austro-German armis and Venetians. Total casualties were 24,000 Italians, over 4,000 English and French, over and 100,000 Austrian. A mausoleum just below the mountaintop holds the remains of 25,000 Italian and Austrian soldiers who died in the battle.

The Grappa massif, which includes a number of neighbouring peaks, is known also for the traditional cheese Bastardo del Grappa and is a poular destination for cyclists.