Unveiling the Bovec Gate

Easy | 2.5‒3 hrs

Fortifications in the Bovec Area & The Story of Napoleon Bonaparte

The Soča region is believed today to be a slightly remote area, away from important traffic routes. However, that does not mean it was always the case. A variety of historical events testify that the Upper Soča Region was the hub where transport veins from the east, west, south and north met. Thus, the Soča Region used to be considered a transit area that had been crossed by numerous peoples and army leaders in the course of centuries. Historical heritage as a silent witness continues to address every visitor who is willing to listen and observe. Listen to the stories of the past!

The origin of the fortifications in the Bovec area reaches as far back as the 15^th century, to the time of the Republic of Venice, and later on to the Napoleonic military campaigns in the early 19^th century. When Napoleon entered the world history, not even the Upper Soča Region could escape this fact. Why did the army of Napoleon advance three times exactly through this valley and what surprises were awaiting the French at Kluže and on Predel? How did the French march affect the local population?
In response to the threat from Italy the Austrians built six Carinthian fortifications (Kärntner Festungen) towards the end of the 19^th century, to which belong the one at Predel and the two fortifications at Kluže. However, they had come out of date by the outbreak of World War I in 1914 and could not serve their original purpose.

Photos: (1‒3) Peter Bijuklič, Fundacija Poti miru; (4) Tomo Jeseničnik, Turizem Dolina Soče; (5) Ana Skobe, Turizem Dolina Soče; (6, 7) Schirra/Giraldi, PromoTurismoFVG