On Saturday, September 27, Kobarid hosted an exceptional cultural event – a lecture by renowned Italian historian Alessandro Barbero dedicated to the Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo, also known as the Battle of Kobarid (Caporetto). The event took place within the Beyond Walk of Peace project, organized by the Walk of Peace Foundation (Fundacija Poti miru v Posočju) and initiated by the cultural association èStoria, with the support of other project partners.
Interest in the lecture was extraordinary, especially in Italy, where Barbero is one of the most popular and respected historians. All 800 seats under the main tent sold out quickly, so the organizers arranged a large screen in the town center to allow those without tickets to follow the event live. Throughout the weekend, in cooperation with the Kobarid Museum, guided tours of historical sites were offered, while on the day of the event, local culinary specialties and artisan products were available at stalls throughout the town.
The event was opened by Mayor Marko Matajurc and èStoria President Alessandro Ossola, followed by a heartfelt introduction by Janko Petrovec, who emphasized the importance of preserving the message of peace in a region once marked by war. For the audience under the tent, simultaneous translation was provided, and the broadcast on the big screen in the square featured AI-generated subtitles.
With his distinctive storytelling style, rich in passion and humor, Barbero vividly portrayed the course and significance of the Battle of Kobarid. His approach — bringing history to life through the experiences and anecdotes of real people — deeply engaged the audience.
The event exceeded all expectations, attracting around 1,300 visitors, many of whom also followed it online. After the lecture, Barbero spent a long time signing books and greeting participants, who praised the excellent organization and the event’s inspiring atmosphere.
That day, Kobarid united past, present, and future, demonstrating that remembrance and understanding of history can serve as a foundation for intercultural dialogue and peace.
