A section of the Austro-Hungarian line of defence, fortified in 1916, can be seen on Monte Ermada/Grmada. Having been defeated in the Sixth Isonzo Battle, the Austro-Hungarian Army had to withdraw from the hills around Monfalcone/Tržič. The decision to stabilize on Monte Ermada and the surrounding hills was not made at random but resulted from strategic options of practical nature. From this position they were able to control both the dry valley of Vallone di Brestovizza/Brestoviški dol and the passage to Trieste/Trst. The Kras plateau abounded in valleys, passages between rocks and natural caves which were as if tailored to the army needs in World War I. In a rather short time, the Austro-Hungarian units managed to build trenches, positions and shelters for soldiers, which made the new line of defence insuperable for the Italians. From the Eighth to the Tenth Isonzo Battle inclusive, the Austro-Hungarian Army repelled all attacks by the Italian Third Army, even though its position was subordinate because of a lesser number of men. Several paths lead today from the Italian side to Monte Ermada. Connection paths towards the Slovenian side in the direction of Brestovica are also well kept.
Trieste and its Kras – Austro-Hungarian Rear Areas
From the motorway A4 take the exit to Sistiana/Sesljan and follow provincial road SP1 to the town centre of Sistiana. At the intersection, turn right to Visogliano/Vižovlje and after a hundred metres turn left to provincial road SP4 following indications for Ceroglie/Cerovlje. In Ceroglie, leave your car near the church and continue on foot.
Gruppo Speleologico Flondar
Villaggio del Pescatore, 102
I–34013 Duino Aurisina (TS)
+39 040 209075-208853, +39 339 6908950
Centro visitatori “Walk of Peace”, Trieste Info Point
(The Walk of Peace Visitor Centre, Trieste Infopoint)
Piazza Unità d’Italia, 4/b
I–34121 Trieste
+39 040 3478312
info.trieste@promoturismo.fvg.it
https://www.turismofvg.it/
