Isonzo

Isonzo is the Italian name for the Soča, a river that flows through western Slovenia and northeastern Italy and empties into the Adriatic Sea near Monfalcone. In Slovene, the river is called Soča, and in other languages it is sometimes referred to by the Italian name Isonzo. The river's length is about 138 kilometers (86 miles).

The Soča/ Isonzo rises in the Julian Alps of western Slovenia and generally travels southwest through the Soča Valley. It passes notable towns such as Bovec and Kobarid in Slovenia before entering Italy near Gorizia and continuing to the Adriatic Sea. The upper reaches are characterized by narrow gorges and rapid flows, while the lower river broadens into a wider delta-like landscape before the sea.

The river is renowned for its clear, emerald-green waters, which attract activities such as kayaking, rafting, fishing, and hiking. The surrounding valley is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and ecotourism, with a landscape notable for its dramatic limestone walls, forests, and alpine scenery.

Historically, the Isonzo Front ran along the river valley during World War I, from 1915 to 1917, as Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces fought a series of offensives. Twelve battles of the Isonzo took place in this sector, with the Battle of Caporetto (Kobarid) in 1917 being particularly significant in shifting the war’s momentum on the Italian front. The name Isonzo thus holds both geographic and historical significance in the region.