Base Tuono – I Testimoni della Guerra Fredda (Base Tuono – The Witnesses of the Cold War) is a museum dedicated to the history of the Cold War, specifically focusing on the role of military aviation and the importance of Italy during this tense period. It is located in Rivolto, in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy, not far from the Museo Storico Aeronautico Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Base Tuono I testimoni della Guerra Fredda
Strada Provinciale 143, 16
38064 Folgaria TN
+39 348 1943926
April, May and June
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10:30 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 17:00
July
Monday – Friday 10:00 – 12:30 & 14:30 – 18:00
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 18:00
August
Daily 10:00 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 18:00
September
Until Sunday 10: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 12:30 & 14:30 – 18:00
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 18:00
From Monday 11: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10:30 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 17:00
October
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10:30 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 17:00
Closed November, December, January, February, March
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
| MM6781/50-01 | Lockheed F-104S-ASA Starfighter |
Key Information about the Museum:
1. Location:
The Base Tuono is situated at the Rivolto Air Base, which is part of the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare). Rivolto Air Base is famously the home of the Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s aerobatic flight team. The museum’s focus on the Cold War is significant, as the base had strategic importance during that time.
2. The Cold War Theme:
Base Tuono focuses on the Cold War, a period of intense geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, and highlights Italy’s strategic position in this global standoff. The museum explores:
- Military Aviation: The role of Italy’s air bases, including Rivolto, in the Cold War era.
- Nuclear Weapons: Italy’s involvement in NATO and the presence of NATO military installations during the Cold War.
- Italy’s Role: The museum examines how the Italian military, especially the Air Force, contributed to the defense of Europe during the Cold War, given Italy’s proximity to the Eastern Bloc and its NATO membership.
3. Exhibits and Collections:
Base Tuono houses a wide range of Cold War-era military aircraft, equipment, and memorabilia. Notable exhibits include:
- Aircraft: The museum displays several Cold War-era aircraft used by Italy’s Air Force and NATO forces, including fighter jets and reconnaissance plane.
- Military Equipment: The museum also showcases various military gear, uniforms, and weapons from the Cold War period.
- Historical Artifacts: There are photographs, documents, and other artifacts that tell the story of the Cold War from the perspective of Italy and its air force.
4. Key Features of the Museum:
- Base Tuono (Thunder Base): The name of the museum refers to the air base’s association with the Cold War defense strategy, with “Tuono” (thunder) symbolizing the strategic deterrent role played by the base and its aircraft.
- NATO and Italian Air Force Cooperation: The museum illustrates how Rivolto Air Base was involved in NATO’s defense plans, highlighting the collaboration between Italy and its allies during the Cold War.
- Witnesses of the Cold War: The museum’s name, “The Witnesses of the Cold War,” reflects the idea that these aircraft and artifacts bear witness to the tensions and military readiness of the time.
5. Educational and Cultural Role:
- Base Tuono offers a chance to understand Italy’s role in the Cold War and the military strategies that shaped Europe during this period.
- It educates visitors on the technological advances in military aviation during the Cold War, the global power struggle, and the unique position of Italy in this era.
Summary:
Base Tuono – I Testimoni della Guerra Fredda offers a detailed and fascinating look at the Cold War through the lens of Italy’s military and its strategic role in the conflict. With its collection of Cold War-era aircraft, military artifacts, and educational exhibits, it provides a unique perspective on the geopolitical dynamics of the time. The museum is an important stop for anyone interested in the history of the Cold War and Italy’s role in NATO defense strategies.
EXHIBITIONS
Museum dedicated to the Cold War and to the Nike-Hercules missile defense system, built by the Commune of Folgaria with the support of the Autonomous Province of Trento, in collaboration with the Italian Air Force.
Picture Base Tuono