ZDV_P_06_World War I memorials on the edge of the Friuli plain

World War I memorials on the edge of the Friuli plain

on demand

HIKING

LOCAL CUISINE

CYCLING

UNSPOILED NATURE

TRADITION

IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCES

At the extreme edge of the Kras Plateau, where the rolling hills fold into a vast plain, at the beginning of the 20th century, bloody battles took place between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, where the forces of the Entente and Central warring sides were measured. Today, more than 100 years after the end of the war, many memorials are still proofs of it.

Our route will lead from the Theme Park of the World War I, created at the place where the battles took place, from which many fortification trenches and other battle remains remain, to the magnificent monument to the fallen fighters. The latter was created not long after the end of the war, and the first one was arranged only a few years ago, when the fans of this period decided to save the precious remains from the densely overgrown growth. Both of them impress with their message as with their impeccably arranged image.

For all those who decide to arrive at the starting point of the excursion by train, we will provide transport in both directions, and for others who will come by car, we will also make sure that they return there as well.

Duration of the trip:	1 day
Estimated mileage:	15,4 km
Estimated total ascent:	417 m
Necessary equipment:	hiking shoes, hiking poles
Countries:	Slovenia, Italiy
Begin/End:	Sežana Raiilway Station
Price (car / train)	30 /33 EUR

Highlights:

World War 1 theme park
Monument to fallen soldiers in World War 1 in Sredipolje (Redipuglia) and on the hill of St. Elijah

Price includes:

Entrance fees to attractions according to the program
management and organization of the trip
transportation to the starting point of the trip and back

Price DOES NOT includes:

food and drinks

Tour description:

From the starting point of the trail, which is not far from the train station in Tržič (Monfalcone), it is very close to the first trenches. First, we will go along the Joffre trench to the angle 121 and to the system of fortifications on Goljak. From the peak there used to be a wonderful view in all directions, but today the trees are too tall and too thick to see anything. Well, that is why there is pleasant shade in the summer and shelter from too much wind year round…

We continue to angle 85, where there is a monument to Enrico Toti, a famous Italian volunteer, and to many other fighters who fought here. The headstones commemorate the many divisions stationed here between 1915 and 1917 and all those fallen fighters who were posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Valor.

Afterwards, the labyrinth of paths takes us along the shooting trench, which was dedicated to the mountaineer – lieutenant colonel Amelio Cuzzi, to a wonderful vantage point next to the magnificent fortress above the town. From there, we descend to the Information Center and a little further to the clear water spring. Fortified with its healing water, we continue along the slope above the Friuli plain – quite a few kilometers of trail await us to the magnificent monument to the fallen fighters from the First World War in Sredipolje – Redipuglia. From the footpath on the plateau, we arrive at its top and, past all the inscriptions and monuments, descend all the way to the foot of the monument, where soldiers with the highest ranks are buried.

At the end of the trip, we visit an even older memorial park, which is located on the opposite hill of St. Elija. Particularly interesting are the examples of weapons from the First World War, which seem to us to be more than a century old in terms of technology…

We will end our trip there by a return to the starting point.

Overall Tour Level::

Irena Hlede is an architect by education, but has also worked in the fields of graphic design, journalism and sustainable mobility. She has been engaged in many sports activities, from sailing to skiing or badminton, but the common thread throughout remains cycling. She regularly collaborate with the non-governmental organization Slovenian cycling network and with the European Cycling Federation ECF, lectures on cycling and remains loyal to long-distance cycling at all times. In this field, she completed trainings for the Assessor under the scheme “Cycling-Friendly Employer”, Development of Mobility Plans and for the EuroVelo Route Inspector. She obtained as well the title and knowledge of a tourist guide at the national level and is the founder and owner of the travel agency GremoZeleno – GoGreenWay. In addition to “her” areas of architecture and art, she is also keenly interested in ethnology, geography and history with an emphasis on everything related to our tradition, especially some “silent” areas, such as the existence of pagan religions. She researches as well many “borderline” skills, such as dowsing or geomancy. She is a convinced environmentalist and an opponent of violence and wars.

She speaks English and French and, of course, Croatian and Serbian.

Terrain configuration

	Mostly flat terrain, only shorter lower hills are possible.
	Slightly hilly terrain, ascents and descents are shorter and technically and undemanding for those who are not fit enough.
	Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can also be longer and steeper-
	Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can be very long and technically demanding.
	Mountainous terrain, very demanding ascents and descents on single tracks, tows or otherwise demanding trails that require a high level of fitness and technical skills.

Day Level

EASY: Relaxed and gentle hikes for hikers of average fitness and generally good health. They lead along maintained paths and are marked with boards or markings. The terrain is mildly undulating, without challenging ascents and descents. No prior hiking experience is required, so they are suitable for beginners as well. Daily walking is limited to 3-5 hours or a maximum of 12 kilometers.
MEDIUM EASY: In principle, undemanding hikes, but in some places they can also include a longer hike on medium-demanding hills with steeper ascents or descents. In general, the hiking trails are well maintained, but shorter sections with a rougher surface in places and steeper or exposed trail sequences are possible. Daily walking is limited to 4-6 hours or a maximum of 15 kilometers.
MEDIUM DEMANDING: Suitable for more experienced hikers with generally good fitness. The moderately demanding hiking level includes longer hiking trails and steeper ascents and descents. Longer sections of ascents or descents or several short steep ascents or descents are also possible on the route. The terrain can be mixed, including rocky areas and mixed surfaces. Daily walking is limited to 5-7 hours or a maximum of 20 kilometers.
DEMANDING: Suitable for active, physically fit hikers who want challenging hiking experiences. They also cover longer steep climbs or descents and high-altitude (climbing) areas of the ground, which can also be rough or slippery in places. The hikes are mostly moderately demanding, but some are also longer and more demanding. From time to time, it is also possible to hike from the hut to the hut, when you have to carry your own luggage / backpack. Daily walking is limited to 6-9 hours or a maximum of 30 kilometers.
VERY DEMANDING: Suitable for very experienced and physically fit hikers. Navigation experience required. Steep ascents and descents over rough and mixed surfaces in high mountain areas are covered, as well as on exposed paths, fixed turnouts and slippery surfaces. It can be expedition-style and require demanding daily walks, in areas where you walk from hut to hut and carry your own luggage / backpack. The daily volume of walking is on average 8-10 hours, or more than 30 kilometers.