Monfalcone First World War Theme Park

A circular route exploring the many trenches and fortifications scattered across the Karst heights behind Monfalcone.

The Monfalcone First World War Theme Park is divided into three thematic areas that allow visitors to discover the many traces of the conflict preserved in this part of the Karst, also thanks to information panels and educational reconstructions. The circular route proposed here makes it possible to explore all three areas in a single itinerary. If you choose to begin the route, as recommended, from the end of Salita Mocenigo, the first area you will encounter is the third thematic section. Here you will find the trench named after French General Joseph Joffre, the Grotta Vergine, a natural cave that sheltered hundreds of soldiers, and the Cuzzi trench. The trail then leads to the first thematic area, dedicated to the Quota 121 redoubt, an Austrian strongpoint captured by the Italians during the Sixth Battle of the Isonzo. Here you can make your way through a maze of trenches to reach an educational reconstruction of an observation post and several riflemen’s positions. From Quota 121, the route then continues to Quota 85, the park’s second thematic area. This is a monumental area marked by numerous memorial stones commemorating the fighting units and several soldiers decorated for valour, including Enrico Toti, the volunteer soldier who fell here in 1916 and to whom the hill is dedicated. After passing the Dolina della Selletta, follow CAI trail 84 until its junction with CAI trail 83. Turning left, you will reach the park’s second access point, which can also be used as the starting point for the excursion if you wish to follow the route in the opposite direction. Otherwise, continue by turning right and complete the loop along the panoramic “Spangar” trail.

Author's tip

At several points along the route, it is possible to make short detours to enter the trenches; in this case, please take care on both the ascent and the descent.