From history books to popular saying, Caporetto is a synonym of defeat. For good or ill, this small village now part of Slovenia, played a primary role in the Italian and world history. Here, in fact, is where the Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo was fought, which took the Italian army by surprise and paved the way for the advance of thousands of Austro-Germans towards Friuli and the eastern part of Veneto, with the consequent move of the frontline along the Piave River.
The Natisone Valleys were the passage through which soldiers first descended to Udine, then the Tagliamento River and, finally, the Venetian plains. This territory consists of a number of valleys lying in the easternmost part of Friuli Venezia Giulia, at the foothills of the Julian Pre-Alps, before the Alps.
It is not a surprise that this had been an important passageway since ancient times for a variety of peoples, from the Romans to Lombard and Slavic people, who settled here and influenced culture and customs that are still alive.
This is why the Natisone Valleys are an extremely fascinating area as for their people, culture and the pristine natural landscape that makes it an ideal place for walks suitable for everyone.
Equally interesting are the architectural jewels found in the Lombard town ofCividale, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town used to be a rear line very close to the front and then it witnessed the first attempts by the Italians to stop the advance of the Austro-German army.
