|
Kobarid (Caporetto, Karfreit) is situated at the meeting point of two
valleys. The valley of the Nadiža river with its Breginjski kot
stretches westward, and the Soča (Isonzo) valley in the east reaches in
a gentle sweep down to Tolmin and rises up to Bovec, Vršič and Predil
in the north.
Kobarid is particulary known for its turbulent past. It was
inhabited as early as the Hallstatt Age. The archeological finds dating
back to the age of the Roman Empire speak of Kobarid as an important
stopover point on the Aquileia - Noricum route. And in the Middle Ages
the settlement was owned by the Cividale Chapter.
In 1688 a devastating blaze swept through the settlement. Turkish
hordes prowled this region and Napoleon's troops marched through these
valleys. In memory of those times a bridge spanning the Soča was named
Napoleon's Bridge. Kobarid gained world recognition thanks to the
greatest highland battle in human history that took place during World
War I. This region was the scene of the first swift, sudden military
offensive today known by the German word "blitzkrieg". In October 1917,
the Austrian and German armies dealt a decisive blow to the Italian
armed forces near Kobarid. In only a few days, the two armies pushed
Italian troops deep into the Italian territory, as far as the Piave
river. The vicinity of Kobarid is dotted by telling traces of trenches
and fortifications and an imposing tomb on the St. Antony's Hill,
commemorating the Italian war casualties, reminding us of the ravages
of war.
Today Kobarid is a pleasant town dwarfed by towering mountains offering many points of interest and places ideal
for hiking, hunting, and fishing. Marked trails lead from Kobarid to the mountaintops of Stol, Matajur, and Krn
and to the waterfall of Kozjak. Invigorating waters of the Nadiža attract visitors in summer.
The Krn mountain range looming over Kobarid marks the fringe of
Triglav National Park , a realm of pristine
nature harboring breathtaking vistas of mountain wilderness.
|