If you come to the Brda region via the so-called Osimo road (translator's note: from Nova Gorica to Solkan and then across the Soča bridge, briefly passing through Italian territory), you soon arrive at the bottom of the Sabotin hill.

It is believed that the hill was named Samotin by the Slavs when they arrived to this territory some thirteen hundred years ago. The name, which comes from a Slovene word sam, meaning lonely, alone, was given to the hill because the Soča river separates the Sabotin hill from other hills in the Trnovo plateau.

The 609 m peak of the Sabotin hill invites you to adventure on an interesting walk up, taking the marked path to the top. Beside the marvellous view, you are offered a sight of the remnants of the past, going back to hermits from the Middle Ages, the church of Saint Valentin, and remains from World War I. After this war, Italians proclaimed the Sabotin hill a sacred place and arranged a memorial park functioning as an open-air museum. Even today hikers can see caverns (translator's note: the caves found on many hills in our region were dug by soldiers in WWI) and straight pyramids, which used to denote the front lines at the beginning of the battles on Sabotin in the First World War.

Today, the building of the onetime museum has become a hiker's pos t. Some may find the inscription Naš Tito, meaning Our Tito, that came into being in the seventies interesting.

In addition to the many historical points of interest, the Sabotin hill enraptures its visitors with a wide variety of plants. On a rather small piece of land, there are plants typical for the Alpine climate, and then there are plants that typically grow in the Dinaric world, as well as the sub-Mediterranean and typically Mediterranean types.

The hill is also a shelter for deer and on the top of hill a hunters' hut can be found.

 

 

 The newly opened Sabotin Visitor Centre – Peace Park and Brda Circle of Peace themed trail  

  

Sabotin is an important excursion point in the Goriška region, worth a visit for its panoramic views and its natural and historical attractions. It is also accessible to hikers and cyclists in winter, when snow covers the peaks elsewhere in Slovenia.

The Sabotin Peace Park offers visitors relaxation in nature and, with the World War I trenches and caverns that criss-cross it, encourages reflection on the futility of war and violence. Its mission is therefore to be a messenger of peace and harmony between peoples. 

 

Brda Circle of Peace – hiking trail  

 

Climb the Sabotin Hill stretching above the Soča River, where fierce battles took place in World War I and is now a place reminds visitors of peace and reconciliation. The 11.5 km long circular thematic trail called Briški krog miru (Brda Circle of Peace) starts on its ridge at the Sabotin hunting lodge. As you walk, you can enjoy magnificent views stretching from the foothills of the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, all the way to Venice, and, in the depths, you can observe the beautiful colour of the emerald Soča River. 

 

Sabotin

 

Sabotin's flora is a particular natural feature, as it is the meeting point of three of Europe's great floristic zones - the Dinaric, the Sub-Mediterranean and the Pre-Alpine. Some plant species therefore reach the extremes of their ranges on Sabotin. With regard to fauna, Sabotin is particularly important as a habitat and migratory corridor for some rare bird species. It therefore has the status of a nature conservation site of national importance, has been declared an ecologically important site and is also part of the Natura 2000 network.

Sabotin is best known for the fact that it was the site of the Isonzo Front during the First World War. Due to its location above Gorizia, it was a key defensive point for the Austro-Hungarian army, which defended itself against attacks by the Italian armed forces in 1915 and 1916. The whole of Sabotin is criss-crossed with systems of trenches and caverns built by both sides in the consolidation of their positions in 1915-1917. Of particular interest are the cavern systems on the ridge, which were converted into artillery positions after the 6th Battle of the Bulge, when Sabotin was captured by the Italian army. The battles on Sabotino involved members of many nations fighting as part of the Austro-Hungarian or Italian armed forces.

The caverns at the former Yugoslav guardhouse on Sabotin have been cleaned and made ready for viewing. The guardhouse has an information point where you can find more information on the features and history of Sabotin, and there is also a museum collection dedicated to the First World War, the Isonzo Front and the Slovenian War of Independence.

The 535 m high peak of St Valentin, where the restored ruins of the church complex are visible, stretches in the south-east of the Sabotin ridge.

 

Sabotin Visitor Centre

 

The visitor centre, with its well-equipped museum and info point, and the many remains of the outdoor museum, is an important stop along the route. At other information points along the way, you will also learn about the diverse flora and fauna of Sabotin and, by walking among the military tunnels, you will reach the actual stone pyramids. Each of these stops will offer you a special experience, and you will be happy to return again and again and again to find peace in its embrace.

 

Working hours

 

Saturdays, Sundays and holidays:

April - October: 10 am to 6 pm

November - March: 10.00 – 15.00

 

Sabotin Snack Bar

 

After a long walk, you can rest and refresh yourself with a home-cooked lunch at the nearby Sabotin Snack Bar.

 

Working hours

Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 8 am to 7 pm

 

 

 

Kontakt:

More info:

Turistično informacijski center Brda
Šmartno 13, 5211 Kojsko
T: +386 (0)5 395 95 95
E: tic@brda.si
Facebook: @Brda
Instagram: @goriska_brd

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