Cave del Predil is a small hamlet in the Municipality of
Tarvisio, located in the heart of the Rio del Lago Valley, a low area stretching from
Chiusaforte to the border with Austria and Slovenia. It used to be an
important mining centre in the past centuries, probably dating back to
Roman times, and it greatly contributed to the economic and demographic growth of this area. Due to the economic crisis of the twentieth century and a recent shutdown of activities, many residents left this village and the whole valley.
The mining experience though has given birth to an
interesting museum that helps preserve the historical memory of this small village lying in the heart of the
Julian Alps. Since 1990, this former elementary school has been hosting a
permanent exhibition dedicated to the
memories of war. This is the
History and War Museum of the Julian Alps, which comprises six rooms that trace the
history of this area, from the Barbarian invasions to WW II.
The first room, named
"Vittorio Veneto" and dedicated to the First World War, revolves around the conflict between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the countries included in the
Carnic Area agreement, which covered the Julian Alps too. Equally interesting is the
"Duke of Aosta" room, which displays some historical records dating from the period between the annexation of Tarvisio to Italy (1919) and WW II.
