probably the name Kobarid It doesn't tell you anything because we Italians call it something else: Caporetto. Located a short distance from the border, it is a particularly underrated destination in Slovenia, as everyone, willingly or not, links it with the Great War. Yes, the atmospheres reminiscent of that dramatic historical period can be experienced first-hand, but Kobarid is also a pleasant discovery, especially for lovers of contact with nature.
What to expect
Kobarid is lucky to be a town crossed by the Isonzo River that offers colors that reach straight to the heart: its waters have a thousand emerald tones. For us Italians, Caporetto is a symbol of defeat, the greatest ever suffered by our army, but in reality it is a welcoming place where history leaves room for radiant nature.
You have to leave any kind of prejudice behind when you visit Kobarid, because this small town is anything but a gloomy place, a succession of signs and references to the First World War, or at least not as much as many expect.
What to see in Caporetto
La charming town of Kobarid It is the ideal destination if you want to combine history and culture with the most authentic nature.
Among the buildings not to be missed is the The Church of the Asunción, which dominates the main square of the city. A structure equipped with a very large bell tower. Ernest Hemingway In his novel titled A Farewell to Arms, he is quoted describing Caporetto as “a white town with a bell tower in the valley.”
Very interesting is also the Caporetto military sanctuary which was built at an altitude of 309 meters. This is a particularly important place for us Italians, because the remains of 7014 compatriots who fell during the First World War are kept here, of which 1748 are unknown corpses.
The architecture is truly surprising because it is a construction with three concentric steps that taper. On the other hand, at the top is the Church of San Antonio which was built in the 17th century, therefore before the ossuary. Then there is a very small museum displaying weapons and war artifacts, correspondence and reminiscences from that bloody time.
As you can imagine, the visit to the ossuary is extremely moving, in which silence reigns, and is characterized by a moving panorama: it is one of those places that you have to visit at least once in your life to understand more deeply the great tragedy. . of war.
It is also worth knowing the Museum of the City which is almost entirely dedicated to the First World War and the Isonzo Front: there are personal belongings of the soldiers, photographs, videos, reconstructions, documents and much more.
Caporetto Historical Itinerary
As we mentioned, Kobarid is also very interesting from a naturalistic point of view and in fact, here Man and nature coexist in an almost perfect balance.
The best way to understand the double soul of this place is to follow theCaporetto Historical Itinerary, an authentic journey of reflection that, step by step, takes us to the most important historical and cultural monuments of the town.
All this along a path of about 7 km immersed in heartbreaking nature and a route that requires about 4 hours of walking.
Among the wonders found, it is undoubtedly worth mentioning the waterfalls generated by the stream. Kozjak. There are six in total, but the one that takes its name from the tributary of the Isonzo is the most spectacular, to the point of being considered one of the most beautiful in Slovenia.
Approximately 15 meters high, it is launched with all the force it possesses into an emerald green lake located between high, dark walls covered by layers of limestone.
To get to it, among other things, you have to cross a bridge built on the banks of what is considered one of the most exceptional rivers in Europe due to its brilliant colors.
It is the reconstruction of a walkway, which today is about 52 meters long, which was located at that same point during the First World War.
A corner of the itinerary with absolutely fairy-tale profiles because the Isonzo reaches Caporetto following a white limestone rock gorge which, in turn, is bathed by these pure and clear emerald waters.
This section is also full of deep cavities that reach up to 200 meters in length: a true spectacle for the heart and soul.
The itinerary continues and arrives in front of the defense line built during the First World War where the now old trench system.
Absolutely fascinating is the Napoleon Bridge which was built in 1750. A connection between one bank of the river and the other with a complex history: during the First World War it was blown up by the Austrians, and then rebuilt by us, the Italians, first in wood and then in iron. A place that should not be underestimated because it offers an incredible point of view over the colorful waters of the Isonzo, which in the local language is called Soca.
Nei dintorni di Kobarid
The Caporetto Historical Itinerary does not end here, but the path continues and leads to the discovery of beautiful and very important places located near Kobarid.
One of these is Drezhnica, which is a pretty town located on the slopes of Mount Krn. A place that makes you fall in love because it is surrounded by sinuous hills, meadows, streams and waterfalls.
In addition, here stands a snow-white church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus accompanied by a 52-meter-high bell tower. In addition, with just 10 minutes of walking you will discover two interesting waterfalls, Sopota and Krampez.
It is also very pretty Church of San Giusto which is located in the village of Koseč: it is considered the oldest in the Isonzo Valley. It is a late Romanesque style structure built in tuff, whose internal walls are decorated with frescoes dating from 1470.
Finally, it is also worth approaching Castillo de Tonovcov, an archaeological site from Roman times located about an hour's walk from Kobarid. What the visitor can enjoy are the remains of a fortified town, with homes for civil and religious use, and one of those views of the Isonzo Valley and the surrounding mountains that are difficult to forget.
