Italian Charnel House Guide
A Somber Memorial: Remembering the Fallen at the Italian Charnel House Guide
The Italian Charnel House in Kobarid is a poignant and powerful memorial dedicated to the Italian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I on the Isonzo Front. It stands as a stark reminder of the brutal battles fought in this region and serves as a place for reflection and remembrance. Visiting this site offers a profound insight into the human cost of war and the enduring impact it has on individuals and nations. The charnel house was built in 1938, designed by the architect Giovanni Greppi and sculptor Giannino Castiglioni. It houses the remains of 7,014 identified and unidentified Italian soldiers recovered from the battlefields of the Isonzo Front. The structure is a circular, stepped building, with each step containing the remains of the fallen. At the top stands a small chapel, offering a space for quiet contemplation. The architecture is deliberately austere, emphasizing the solemnity of the site. Visitors can walk around the charnel house, reading the names of the identified soldiers and reflecting on the sheer scale of the loss. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, which were once the scene of intense fighting. It's a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance, a chance to pay respects to those who perished in the conflict. While there are no specific culinary traditions associated with the site itself, the nearby town of Kobarid offers traditional Slovenian cuisine.
Transportation
The Italian Charnel House is located a short walk from the center of Kobarid. From the Kobarid bus station, follow signs towards the charnel house. It's easily accessible on foot. Local buses connect Kobarid with other towns in the region, including Tolmin and Bovec.