Barbero in Kobarid

In 2025, as Nova Gorica and Gorizia share the title of European Capital of Culture, a remarkable historical event will take place on 27 September in Kobarid. Renowned Italian historian Alessandro Barbero will deliver a live talk reconstructing the famous Battle of Kobarid (1917), where Austro-Hungarian and German forces broke through Italian lines within hours. With over 12,000 dead, 30,000 wounded and 300,000 captured, the battle left a lasting mark on the shared memory of Italy and Slovenia.

Barbero, author of the acclaimed book Caporetto (2017), will present this dramatic turning point of World War I not only as a military event, but also as a reflection of the social and political landscape of Italy at the time. He is widely admired for his clear, compelling storytelling style that resonates with audiences of all ages.

The event will be introduced by Janko Petrovec – theatre actor, award-winning journalist, and long-time RTV Slovenia correspondent from Rome. He currently serves as editor-in-chief of Radio Koper. The lecture will be delivered in Italian with simultaneous translation into Slovene.

Admission is free, but registration is required and subject to availability. Reservations open on Monday, 21 July 2025 at 8:00 AM via www.estoria.it/event/caporetto-1917-lettura-di-una-battaglia/.

Organised transfers from parking areas to the main square will be available on the day of the event. More information coming soon.

As part of the event, the Fundacija Poti miru v Posočju (Walks of Peace Foundation) will offer guided tours of the Kolovrat Open-Air Museum, the Italian Ossuary, and the Kobarid Museum during the weekend. Full schedule and booking details will be announced shortly.