100 year anniversary - start of World War One

2014 marks the 100 year anniversary of the start of World War One.  This region was very significant in the war as it was the battle line between the Italian troops and the troops of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.  Several of Brenda's great uncles served in the war. The family suggested several nearby battle fields to explore.

Most of the sites are about 5 miles north of Gorizia (12 miles from Capriva).  The had miles of trenches, several bunkers  and a number of historical maps, informative signs (also in English) and monuments.  It was a very informative and moving experience.  Several of the major battles occured near the highest peaks and over 100,000 died.  The views from the top peaks were remarkable with the snow covered Alps, the town of Gorizia and the Adriatic Sea all within sight.

The photo at the bottom shows a cup and water canteen with the year 1916 inscribed on the outside.  These were in a discard pile near one of the museums.  The "cave photo" shows the entrance to a large bunker where the artillery was hidden.