Easy and rewarding short loop on Osoppo Hill visiting its Fort and the many works on its summit.
The Fort of Osoppo is an important historical and cultural vestige of hillside Friuli. 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 several conflicts, particularly during the Risorgimento uprisings of 1848, 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 venue for cultural events. Today, the fort can be visited and offers spectacular views of the Tagliamento River and surrounding hills. Its historical interest is heightened by the presence of archaeological remains dating from both the Great War and earlier eras, even as far back as prehistoric times!
To reach the site, visitors can travel along a historic road built by the Napoleonic military. Once inside, one comes across several structures: from the first artillery fortification to the main powder magazine and 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 toward the Braulins Bridge.
In summary, the Osoppo Fort is not only an important tourist attraction, but also a cultural heritage site that tells the story of Friuli Venezia Giulia's historical events, making it a fascinating place for history and nature enthusiasts.
It is advisable to carry a flashlight so as to approach with adequate illumination the exploration of the accessible galleries on the top of the hill. The large number of elements to be observed in the summit clearing to explore with curiosity, but caution.
