In the heart of the Isonzo Karst, near the summit of Mt. San Michele and the village of San Martino del Carso, the Historical Route of Mt. Brestovec was inaugurated in October 2012.
This 200m height, overlooking the Valley across the Karst Plateau, was never directly affected by battles. Initially, it was an observation and control post of the Austro-Hungarian Army and, following the victory in the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo, was converted into an entrenched line by the Italians, linked to other defensive lines of the Doberdò plain.
THE ENTRANCE TO THE TRENCH SYSTEM OF BRESTOVEC
After almost a century, a number of significant remains can still be seen here, mainly thanks to an intervention promoted by the Provincial Administration of Gorizia. The latter not only made sure to recover the old military structures, but created an actual historical-educational route to raise awareness on the issues of war, peace and the life of soldiers on the front.
This itinerary is surrounded by the typical karstic vegetation, is easy and well-signalled, therefore suitable for everyone. The departure point is located near the parking lot of the sport Centre of San Michele del Carso, in the hamlet of Còtici Inferiore. Park your car and walk downhill along Via Devetaki until you reach an intersection, where you make a left and continue ahead until another road crosses in from the right; after a few metres, the latter becomes a dirt road. When you see the last buildings, turn left and follow indications for Brestovec.
After about half an hour, you will see the Italian entrenched line on the left, the first stop along this route. Walk along the north-east ridge and then, past an observation point dating back to the Cold War, take a trail leading to the Gun tunnel of Mt. Brestovec in a few minutes, undoubtedly the most interesting sight en route. After visiting it, a small clearing on the left offers superb views to south-west over the Karst Plateau, while on the right you can see CAI trail No. 74, which goes back to Còtici Inferiore in about half an hour.
THE BRESTOVEC TUNNEL, TODAY A HISTORIC-DIDACTIC ITINERARY THAT RECALLS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE CONFLICT, FROM MILITARY TO SOCIAL ONES.
