First World War

In the period between May 1915 and November 1917, Friuli Venezia Giulia staged the fights between the Italian and the Austro-Hungarian armies, which faced each other harshly for several months.

Karst, Isonzo area, Julian Alps and Pre-Alps, Carnic Alps and the hilly area along the Tagliamento line were the locations of fights, whereas the whole plain became a large area behind the front line in the service of the armed forces and was later invaded by the Austro-German troops after the defeat of Caporetto (Kobarid).

Today, the signs of those battles can still be seen in various places of the region and are not-to-be-missed destinations if you wish to discover from close up this big event, which changed our history.

Thanks to cart roads and CAI (Italian Alpine Club) paths you can reach the various open-air museums, which feature the remains of the war structures built and used by many soldiers. Following the proposed itinerary, you can go on thrilling walks, often in the middle of breathtaking landscapes, which will make you feel part of the context of life in a trench.
Some of these itineraries have been designed by the various regional associations that deal with the restoration and enhancement of the First World War sites.

All year round these sites stage, events, exhibitions and hikes organized by various specialized operators.

Come and discover the Itineraries of the First World War!

KARST
Kilometres of trenches, remains of emplacements, monuments and charming places between the mountains and the sea characterise the Karst in its unique and charming Open-air Museum, where the Austro-Hungarian army bravely opposed the Italian army.

Open-air Museum of Mount Ermada (Duino Aurisina)

ISONZO AREA
From Monfalcone to Mount Sabotino, passing through the city of Gorizia and the surrounding rises, the two armies faced each other along the Isonzo river. In this area you can discover the battlefields through many memorial places and five charming itineraries.

Open-air Museum of Mount Calvario (Gorizia)
Open-air Museum of Mount Sabotino (Gorizia - Slovenian border)
Open-air Museum of Monfalcone's First World War Theme Park
Open-air Museum of the Dolina del XV Bersaglieri (Fogliano - Redipuglia)
Open-air Museum of Mount San Michele and itinerary of San Martino del Carso (Sagrado)

NATISONE VALLEYS
The Julian Pre-Alps and the Natisone Valleys, which are extremely charming from a natural and cultural point of view, propose an open-air museum between Italy and Slovenia, very close to one of the most symbolic places of the First World War: Caporetto (Kobarid).

Open-air Museum of Na Gradu - Mount Kolovrat (Drenchia - Kobarid, SLO)

UDINE - FRIULI COLLINARE
Among Friuli's hills, along the course of the Tagliamento river, you will find an Open-air Museum with four itineraries, which will lead you to the discovery of the last Italian attempt to stop the Austro-German advance after the defeat of Caporetto (Kobarid).

First World War Museum of Friuli Collinare (Ragogna, Forgaria, San Daniele)

JULIAN ALPS - TARVISIO AREA
The First World War was fought at high altitudes as well, in the heart of the Julian Alps. Along what once was the border between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, four surprising itineraries worth discovering admiring the extraordinary defence works at almost 2000 metres of height.

Itinerary of the Dogna Valley (Dogna)
Itinerary Jof di Somdogna (Dogna)
Itinerary Jof di Miezegnot (Dogna)
Itinerary Piccolo Miezegnot (Malborghetto - Valbruna)

CARNIC ALPS - CARNIA
Two peaks, which for a long time were contested for the defence of the border, today are very well-tended Open-air Museums, situated on the border between Italy and Austria, on the Carnic Alps. Long trenches, emplacements and communication trenches can be easily accessed by everyone.

Open-air Museum of Freikofel/Cuelàt (Paluzza - Mauthen, A)
Open-air Museum of Pal Piccolo (Paluzza - Mauthen, A)