The Soča, Isonzo or Aesontius is an Alpine river. It is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Its source lies in the Trenta Valley in the Julian Alps in Slovenia, at an elevation of 935 msl, and flows in a stretch of land near Grado, characterizing with its course the part of territory that is also called “Isontino”. The river has a length of 137 km.
Due to its emerald green water, the river is marketed as "The Emerald river". It is a small river at its source, but it flows powerfully between canyons and forests, between valleys and rocks and finally reaches the plain areas. Griffins fly over its course, where the bends become the dominant feature of the valley, while goats and ibexes stare at the river. The Isonzo creates a particularly charming river environment, particularly suitable for numerous animal species.
HISTORY The Isonzo, whose name comes from the celtic "Eson", has gone by several different names during its history; it has the second largest flow in Triveneto - thanks to its karst springs. The Soča valley was the stage of major military operations - from 300 B. C. to the fights between Christians and pagans -especially known for the twelve battles of the Isonzo on the Italian front in World War I. Many memorials in this area remind of the battles of the Great War.
Stamani mi sono disteso
In un’urna d’acqua
E come una reliquia
Ho riposato
L’Isonzo scorrendo
Mi levigava
Come un suo sasso
Ho tirato su
Le mie quattro ossa
E me ne sono andato
Come un acrobata
Sull’acqua
Mi sono accoccolato
Vicino ai miei panni
Sudici di guerra
E come un beduino
Mi sono chinato a ricevere
Il sole
Questo è l’Isonzo
E qui meglio
Mi sono riconosciuto
Una docile fibra
Dell’universo
Giuseppe Ungaretti - I fiumi (1916)
Photograpy by: turismo Slovenia
More Informations:
Parco Nazionale del Triglav
Isola della Cona