In terms of the number of specimens built, technical characteristics and unusual camouflage, the system of fortifications built in Sardinia in the 20th century is an attraction for scholars of military architecture. In particular, significant vestiges of a complex defensive system, prepared by the Italian Army in 1940-43 to defend Cagliari and its hinterland from the dreaded Anglo-American landing, survive in the territory of Quartu. The first defensive line, with light posts, ran close to the beaches, between Is Mortorius and Margine Rosso. Instead, an all-out line of resistance (“arc of containment”) developed inland, reinforced by artillery, grids, mined barrages and anti-tank obstacles. The basic elements of this arc were the strongholds, each consisting of multiple concrete bunkers for machine guns and cannons. The debt of honor of the soldiers assigned to these fortifications was to hold out until the last shell, even if surrounded or overtaken by the enemy mass. Even today, among the sites located in a landscape setting of priceless charm, Quartu boasts the hill of Nuraghe Meris. Here, too, as at Nuraghe Diana, ancient and contemporary history amalgamate. In fact, in 1940 the nuragic remains were chosen to erect there the structures of the Caposaldo II “Alcamo,” consisting of six posts excellently adapted to the terrain and camouflaged as a nuraghe, a small country church, or concealed from view with shadow play, camouflage nets, vegetation and appropriate coloring. In these structures took place units belonging to the 13th Coastal Brigade, which became the 203rd Coastal Division in July 1943. This defense was also reinforced by German units, our allies until the armistice of September 1943.
