The Osoppo Fort is an important historical and cultural testimony of the Friuli hills. Its construction began at the end of the Middle Ages, in response to tensions between the Venetian Republic and the Habsburg Empire. Throughout its history, the fort played a significant role during various conflicts, especially during the 1848 Risorgimento uprisings, when the Friulian inhabitants managed to resist the imperial troops for a prolonged period.
In 1923, the Osoppo Fort was declared a national monument, and in 1951 it was demilitarized, beginning a new phase of its life as a place for cultural events. Today, the fort is visitable and offers spectacular views over the Tagliamento river and the surrounding hills. The historical interest is enhanced by the presence of archaeological remains dating both to the Great War and earlier periods, even prehistoric ones!
To reach the site, visitors can follow a historic road built by Napoleonic soldiers. Once inside, you encounter various structures: from the first artillery fortification to the main powder magazine, up to the Osoppo-south Battery, where powerful cannons were located. Exploration continues through underground corridors and structures that once formed the fort's defensive system, including the Osoppo-north Battery, strategically oriented towards the Braulins bridge.
In summary, the Osoppo Fort is not only an important tourist attraction but also a cultural heritage that tells the historical events of Friuli Venezia Giulia, making it a place of great charm for history and nature enthusiasts.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
From the parking lot, enter the Rivellino park and follow the CAI 720 path, which runs parallel to the hill heading north. Continuing and following the red and white marks on the trees, stay left to bypass the base of the hill. At a certain point, there is a steeper climb, marked with appropriate signs. From here, a spectacular view opens onto the Tagliamento and the Carnic Prealps.
Shortly after, you reach the fort square. Continuing to follow the CAI signs and staying to the left, you can ascend to the top of the Fort, dedicated to Napoleon, via a small spiral path. Upon reaching the small viewpoint at 310 meters altitude, you can admire an incredible panorama embracing the hills, the Prealps and the Friulian plain.
After exploring the plateau and its multiple works, begin the descent along the road. At the second hairpin turn, turn right onto Via dei Capitelli, a beautiful paved road (be careful, it can become slippery after rain) which in fifteen minutes leads to the village of Osoppo. Here turn left and continue along the road for a few hundred meters until you find, on the left, the CAI marks that quickly take you close to the football field, the starting point of the loop.
Public-transport-friendly
Osoppo is easily reachable by bus.Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.