Cannon in front of the Fortress - Naters, VS, Switzerland
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member fi67
N 46° 19.341 E 007° 58.935
32T E 421652 N 5130367
A cannon in front of the former artillery fortress in the mountain west of Naters, that now houses the museum of the Papal Swiss Guards.
Waymark Code: WMPY01
Location: Valais, Switzerland
Date Posted: 11/08/2015
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member bluesnote
Views: 5

EN: This cannon is on display just next to the main entrance to the museum of the Papal Swiss Guards in Naters. There was no marker, so I am not sure about the type, it might be an Oerlikon 20 mm.

The artillery fortress of Naters was built in 1939-40 and continuously modernized. The fortress is completely inside the mountain and had space for a crew of 200 men. Entrances and cannns were camouflaged and could not be recognized from below. The fortress was a secret until 2002. After its closure it was bought by the municipality of Naters. The museum opened in 2006, the 500th anniversary of the Swiss Guard. Above the entrance is now widely visible a relief of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

The fortress and the museum are open on Saturdays in the summer from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. For groups of 10 people guided tours can also be organizedoutside the opening hours.

DE: Diese Kanone ist direkt neben dem Haupteingang zum Museum der päpstlichen Schweizergarde in Naters ausgestellt. Es gab keine Beschriftung, also bin ich beim Typ nicht sicher, es könnte es eine Oerlikon 20 mm sein.

Die Artilleriefestung von Naters wurde 1939/40 erbaut und ständig modernisiert. Die Festung ist vollständig im Innern des Berges und hatte Platz für eine Besatzung von 200 Mann. Die Zugänge und Kanonen waren getarnt und von unten nicht zu erkennen. Die Festung war bis 2002 geheim. Nach ihrer Schliessung wurde sie von der Gemeinde Naters gekauft. Das Museum öffnete im Jahr 2006, zum 500. Jubiläum der Schweizergarde. Über dem Eingang befindet sich heute weit sichtbar ein Relief des Petersdoms in Rom.

Die Festung und das Museum sind im Sommer samstags von 14:00 bis 18:00 geöffnet. Für Gruppen ab 10 Personen können auch ausserhalb der Öffnungszeiten Führungen organisiert werde.
What type of artillery is this?: Cannon

Where is this artillery located?: Other

What military of the world used this device?: Swiss and many others

Date artillery was placed on display: 01/01/2006

Cost?: 0.00 (listed in local currency)

Artillery is no longer operational: yes

Still may work: no

Date artillery was in use: Not listed

Parking location to view this Waymark: Not Listed

Are there any geocaches at this location?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Two pictures are required for this Waymark. Please take a close up picture of the artillery. Take a second with the artillery in the distance and capture as much of the surroundings as possible. Name the Waymark with first the name of the area and second what the artillery is. An example would be if it were a cannon in front of the Montgomery Armory you would name the Waymark: Montgomery Armory Cannon.
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