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Memorial · Kobarid, Goriška
Italian Charnel House (Sacrario militare di Caporetto)
The Italian ossuary on Gradič Hill, above Kobarid, built around the Church of Saint Anthony, containing the remains of 7,014 Italian soldiers who died on the Isonzo front.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Italian Charnel House (Sacrario militare di Caporetto)
The Italian ossuary (Italijanska kostnica) occupies the top of Gradič Hill above central Kobarid, with views over the Soča Valley. It was built around the small Church of Saint Anthony, consecrated at the end of the 17th century, and inaugurated in September 1938, when the region was under Italian rule.
The structure consists of three concentric octagonal terraces that decrease in size toward the top, where the church stands. Green serpentinite plaques on the walls bear the names of identified soldiers. In total the remains of 7,014 Italian soldiers, known and unknown, were brought there from the military cemeteries in the valley.
A road with the Stations of the Cross rises from the centre of Kobarid up to the ossuary. Behind it are memorials to soldiers killed in the gas attack in the Bovec area during the last Isonzo battle, and in the former caretaker’s house there is a small private collection about the war.
The ossuary is part of the Kobarid Historical Trail and the Peace Trail, and it is the only memorial of this type for Italian soldiers in Slovenia.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes, including the walk uphill.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the low light illuminates the Soča Valley from the hill. The site is a memorial: maintain silence and respect.
How to get there
On foot from central Kobarid via the Stations of the Cross road, about 15 minutes uphill. By car, there is parking near the top.
Tip
Visit it together with the museum in the centre, then continue along the Historical Trail to the Kozjak waterfall.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Italian Charnel House (Sacrario militare di Caporetto)
What is the Italian ossuary of Kobarid?
A memorial on Gradič hill containing the remains of 7,014 Italian soldiers who died on the Isonzo front, built around the church of Saint Anthony.
How do you reach the ossuary of Kobarid?
On foot from the centre via the Stations of the Cross road in about 15 minutes, or by car to the parking area near the top.
When was the Kobarid ossuary built?
It was inaugurated in September 1938, when the region was under Italian rule.