Trekking - The Sacred Mountain Route

From the Natisone Valleys to Gorizia and Nova Gorica, European Capitals of Culture 2025, via the Via dei Monti Sacri. The three Marian sanctuaries of Castelmonte, Marijno Celje and Sveta Gora will mark the route of this itinerary linking the valleys of the Judrio torrent and the Soča/Isonzo river among ancient forests, silent hamlets and votive churches. Three days of walking between Italy and Slovenia and between nature and culture, ending in Piazzale della Transalpina, the symbolic site of the European Capital of Culture GO!2025.

DAY 1 | Sanctuary of Castelmonte - Sanctuary of Marijno Celje - Kanal The Route will begin with a greeting from the Sanctuary of Castelmonte, the starting point of the cross-border itinerary. Following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who have been ascending and descending these heights for centuries, we will move towards the Upper Judrio Valley, past votive churches and the solitary hamlets of Oborza and Codromaz.

Having reached the valley floor, we will ascend to the Slovenian village of Lig on our way to the sanctuary of Marijno Celje, the pivotal point of the Marian itinerary, erected on an extraordinary vantage point. Through forests, we will descend to the Soča Valley and the village of Kanal for a well-deserved evening rest. Length: approx. 15.5 km - Altitude difference: approx. 600 m uphill, 1100 m downhill DAY 2 | Kanal - Monte Vodice - Sanctuary of Sveta Gora/Monte Santo From Kanal we will tackle the wooded western slopes of the Banjsice/Bainsizza plateau, which we will pass on our way along comfortable forest tracks. Through increasingly ‘Dinaric’ landscapes, we will ascend the scenic peak of Vodice, the scene of fierce battles during the First World War. From there we will shortly follow the ridge until we reach today's destination: the Sveta Gora/Monte Santo sanctuary, a harbinger of centuries of intertwining spirituality and history. Length: approx. 15.5 km - Height difference: approx. 950 m uphill, 400 m downhill DAY 3 | Sveta Gora/Monte Santo - Gorizia/Nova Gorica - Piazzale della Transalpina The day of the descent and arrival in the town. From the sanctuary we will take our steps towards the banks of the beautiful Soča/Isonzo River and the titanic stone bridge of Solkan, the Solkanski Most. The river will direct the path introducing us to the city of Gorizia to the Piazzale della Transalpina, shared with Nova Gorica and a true symbol of the European Capital of Culture GO!2025. Length: approx. 8 km - Height difference: approx. 50 m uphill, 650 m downhill NECESSARY EQUIPMENT Hiking boots and poles, rain gear. Sports clothing in layers in case of cooler days.

FOR Overnight stays: Small towel required for personal hygiene (e.g. wet wipes), head torch, a dry change of clothes in case of uncertain or rainy weather, unexpired identity card. Organised by: Pro Loco Nediske Doline - Valli del Natisone APS Limited places - Reservation required 310 € Including half board (dinner, night and breakfast), packed lunches, guides, transfers, luggage transport and insurance.