An imposing fortress above the Koritnica gorge, one of the most visited cultural sights in the Soča Valley, is an important monument of the defence against Turkish incursions, Napoleon's army and attacks in the First World War.
The story of the Kluže Fortress is caught in exceptional nature, between the steep slopes of Rombon and Sleme and the emerald-green, 70 m deep gorge of the Koritnica. Here you will feel and admire the draughts of the past that marked this important strategic position, also called the Bovec Gate. The Kluže fortress lies 4 km from Bovec in the direction of the Predel pass.
Kluže Fortress, Bovec, ©Jure Batagelj – archive of the Walk of Peace Foundation
Kluže, from gun loopholes to the wedding march
Have a look at the permanent exhibition or at one of the cultural and artistic events, visit the nearby Fort Hermann or breathe the “fateful yes”. Do not be surprised if uniformed soldiers stop you by the road and invite you to see the performance 1313, which as a group you can also see by prior arrangement.
The history of the Kluže Fortress
In the 15th century the Kluže fortress was a wooden fortification intended to prevent Turkish incursions into Carinthia. Later a stone fortress was erected, which in the 18th century an Austrian garrison defended against the army of General Napoleon Bonaparte. The fortress acquired its present appearance in the 19th century, and in the 20th century it played an important role on the Isonzo Front.
Fort Hermann
The Carinthian fort on the slope of Rombon was built as support for the Kluže fortress, namely in the time of Austria-Hungary, between 1897 and 1900. During the First World War it was heavily damaged by fierce Italian shelling. Today, beside the ruins of the fort, there are information boards.
More information can be found on the website www.soca-valley.com
