Centenary of the end of Isonzo Front commemorated

Ljubljana, 5 December - A series of events, from memorial walks, conferences and exhibitions to a battle re-enactment were held throughout 2017 to commemorate the centenary of the last major battles between Austria-Hungary and Italy on the WWI Isonzo Front.

Ljubljana
Italian soldiers sought shelter in a cavern on the Isonzo Front.
Photo: Photo archive of the Isonzo Front Association 1915-1917.

The events, which brought together representatives of the nations involved in the largest conflict on Slovenian soil, honoured the victims and celebrated friendship and pace among nations. In one of the highlights, the orchestras of once opposing armies came together on 9 July to pay a concert called A Farewell to Arms.

To mark the centenary of the Miracle of Caporetto, the offensive that would eventually end hostilities after two and a half years of battles in which 250,000 soldiers died, candles were lit along the former front lines on 26 October, while officials from Slovenia, Hungary, Germany and Italy gathered in Kobarid to welcome soldiers who completed their 1,000 kilometre run from Budapest, and those who had hiked there from Tolmin.

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© STA, 2017