Routes / OSLAVIA AND SABOTIN

Oslavje and Sabotin have become a symbol of the battles took place around Gorizia. Together with the hill of Calvary represented the supporting structure of the bridgehead of the Austro-Hungarian defence on the right bank of the river Isonzo.

It says that nowhere else part of the front the consumption of ammunition reached the quantities used around Oslavia. Immediately after the war, there was erected a small monument in memory on four Italian generals, in the late thirty years at the beginning of Oslavia was built a mighty Ossuary where lie the mortal remains of more than 60,000 soldiers. A wide road leads us up to the Ossuary, the bus bring us very close to the monument of the four general.

From Oslavia you can admire the mountain Sabotin (609 m). In the first 15 months of the war it represented a crucial point for the Austro-Hungarian army in defence of Gorizia. After August 6th, 1916 it passed into the hands of the Italian army. On the hill are still clearly visible signs of military installations. There are many caves and trenches. Panorama from mountain Sabotin is unique and extends from Friuli to the sea. On the other side of the ridge, we are charmed by view of the blue river Isonzo, which winds like a snake deeply in the valley. From this side we can see also the adjacent Monte Santo, with its mighty Basilica on top.

From the southern slope of mountain Sabotin you can come on the top only on foot. By car or by a smaller bus we can reach right to the top along the paved road in Slovenian territory. From the parking area, equipped with a public room and small museum, we can continue on foot to visit the caves and trenches or reach the top on 15 minutes.

USEFUL INFORMATION:
Duration: approximately 4 hours
Difficulty: low
View/visit: partly by bus, partly walking
Clothing and footwear: to view the mountain Sabotin you need appropriate footwear and sportswear, as well as a flashlight to visit the caves.
Documents: it is necessary to have an identity document because part of mountain Sabotin is located in Slovenia