Walk of Peace - Julian Alps to Adriatic Sea

The Walk of Peace running from the Julian Alps in Slovenia to the Adriatic Sea commences at Log pod Mangartom and ends in Trieste. Largely following the Isonzo Front, a major WW1 battlefield there are up to 500km of trails but this particular route is around 230km and can be completed over 10 to 12 days. The Walk of Peace combines rich culture and nature at it's best along the Isonzo Front inspiring the true value of peace.From the period May 1915 to October 1917 twelve offensives took place in the area involving Italian, Austro-Hungarian and German troops. It was largely trench warfare and civilians were evacuated from all settlements and forced to seek refuge elsewhere. Around 300,000 soldiers died in the battles. Along the front, memorials, caves, trenches and military cemeteries remind us of the suffering, sacrifices and deaths of so many youths from many nations. The civilian population returned to an area ravaged by war and their houses in ruin. Trekking the Walk of Peace provides a means to reflect, not only on the past but also what is happening in the world today. In war there are never winners, only losers. Bad decisions made by leaders cost countless lives. Especially poignant on the Walk of Peace is the Church of the Holy Spirit on Javorca which was built by troops in memory of their dead comrades. On oak boards adorning the walls contain the names of 2,565 fallen comrades. Burnt into this “book of the dead” are comrades from many different nations. The church is not only an artistic jewel but it carries out the symbolic mission of peace.